The Los Angeles Angels are shaking things up before the new season. They’ve hired former MLB All-Star Brady Anderson as the new hitting coach.
Anderson, famous for his power and versatility back in the day, will team up with veteran coach John Mabry as assistant hitting coach. Both will work under rookie manager Kurt Suzuki, which hints at a new, maybe bolder approach to player development in Anaheim.
Brady Anderson Steps Into First Official Coaching Role
Anderson’s no stranger to baseball, but this is his first time in an official dugout role. He spent nearly his entire playing career with the Baltimore Orioles from 1988 to 2001.
His biggest season came in 1996, when he hit .297 with 50 home runs and 110 RBIs. That set a franchise record at the time.
After hanging up his cleats, Anderson joined the Orioles’ front office as vice president of baseball operations from 2013 to 2018. People respected him for his insights into player development and conditioning programs.
But things changed when Mike Elias took over as general manager, and Anderson left in 2019. Now, with the Angels, he’ll finally get to put his feel for hitting mechanics and player psychology to work on the field.
Why Anderson Fits the Angels’ Offensive Vision
The Angels are clearly trying to add proven baseball minds to their staff. Anderson’s known for his careful preparation and creative training methods.
He brings credibility and a fresh perspective to a lineup built around stars like Shohei Ohtani (if he sticks around) and Mike Trout. Anderson managed to develop power as a player without losing his contact skills—maybe that’s exactly what this team needs to boost their offense.
John Mabry Joins as Assistant Hitting Coach
Alongside Anderson, the Angels are bringing in John Mabry, 55, who’s got over a decade of coaching experience. Mabry played 14 seasons in the majors and has coached for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, and Baltimore Orioles.
Complementary Styles in the Batting Cage
Mabry’s always adjusted his coaching to fit each player’s strengths. Working with Anderson, the two could offer a blend of old-school fundamentals and modern, analytics-driven hitting ideas.
That mix just might help the Angels break through in a tough American League West.
A Rookie Manager at the Helm
Both Anderson and Mabry will report to Kurt Suzuki, who’s stepping into his first managerial job on a one-year contract. Suzuki, a former MLB catcher, built a reputation for clubhouse leadership and attention to detail.
That could be a big deal for pulling together this new-look coaching staff. The Angels’ front office seems to value both the playing experience and discipline this group brings.
Entire Coaching Staff Taking Shape
Besides Anderson and Mabry, the Angels have landed other respected coaches:
- John Gibbons – Bench Coach
- Mike Maddux – Pitching Coach
- Other assistants handling development and analytics
What This Means for the Angels in 2024
The Angels have struggled at the plate in recent years—no secret there. Adding Anderson, a guy who combined speed, discipline, and power, could push the lineup in a more dynamic direction.
Pairing him with Mabry’s flexible style gives hitters more to work with as the season rolls on. If Suzuki can get everyone working together, maybe the Angels can finally back up their superstars with steady offense.
Final Thoughts
For Brady Anderson, this isn’t just a return to the field. It’s a real shot to shape the next generation of hitters in one of baseball’s flashiest lineups.
The Angels see this as a smart move. They’re mixing elite playing experience with coaching skill, hoping it all clicks.
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