Mike Maddux Leaves Rangers to Become Angels Pitching Coach

The Los Angeles Angels just made a splash, grabbing veteran pitching coach Mike Maddux for the 2026 season. Maddux, who brings over two decades of coaching experience and a championship background, leaves the Texas Rangers to join rookie manager Kurt Suzuki’s staff.

He’s expected to help an Angels pitching group that’s struggled for years. Honestly, he might be one of the most impactful hires in this MLB off-season.

Mike Maddux Brings a Wealth of Experience to Anaheim

At 64, Mike Maddux has pretty much seen everything in baseball—on the mound and in the dugout. He’s coached for 23 years, working with the Brewers, Nationals, Cardinals, and Rangers.

Maddux has a knack for helping pitching staffs reach another level. In Texas, he helped deliver an MLB-best team ERA in 2025 and played a big part in the Rangers’ 2023 championship run.

Success in Texas and Departure Circumstances

Maddux just wrapped up his third season in his second stint with the Rangers. He became a major architect behind their recent run of success.

Texas wanted him to stay under new manager Skip Schumaker, but they couldn’t agree on contract details. That’s when the Angels, eager for pitching stability, swooped in and made their move.

A Strategic Move for Rookie Manager Kurt Suzuki

Bringing Maddux aboard gives Suzuki, a rookie manager, a much-needed veteran by his side. New managers lean on experienced assistants to survive the grind of a 162-game season.

Maddux’s reputation for developing talent and designing smart pitching strategies could be exactly what the Angels need as they try to turn things around.

The Angels’ Pitching Woes in Recent Seasons

The Angels have endured a rough stretch—10 straight losing seasons—with shaky pitching at the heart of their struggles. Their rotation has ranked among MLB’s worst, sitting in the bottom five in ERA for the past two seasons.

This inconsistency has overshadowed even big offensive years from stars like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani (when healthy).

Impact on Emerging Arms in the Angels’ System

Maddux shines as a mentor for young arms. The Angels have several promising pitchers who could really benefit:

• Jose Soriano – Hard-throwing righty, tons of raw talent, still needs to harness his command.
• Reid Detmers – Lefty starter, flashes brilliance, could use Maddux’s help with game prep.
• Caden Dana – Developing prospect, might grow faster with elite guidance.
• Jack Kochanowicz – Tall, imposing, and could become a dependable starter with the right coaching.

Why Maddux is the Right Fit for This Challenge

For a franchise desperate to break its losing cycle, hiring Maddux is about more than stats—it’s about shifting the pitching culture. He spent 15 seasons as a player, which gives him instant credibility in the clubhouse.

His coaching style mixes mechanics, mental prep, and on-field tactics. That blend just seems to get results.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

By bringing Mike Maddux on board, the Angels are showing they’re serious about fixing their pitching. No coaching hire can guarantee success, but Maddux’s credentials give this team a real shot at competing again.

If the young arms develop and the veterans buy in, maybe—just maybe—the Angels can finally put their decade-long skid behind them.

Final Takeaway

Mike Maddux’s arrival in Anaheim isn’t just another coaching hire. It feels like it could be a real turning point for the Los Angeles Angels.

There’s a rookie manager in charge and a bunch of pitchers who haven’t quite lived up to their potential. Fans are restless and honestly, who can blame them?

Everyone’s wondering how fast Maddux can make a difference in 2026. Is this the start of something new or just another chapter in the same old story?

One thing’s for sure: the Maddux era in Anaheim kicks off with a lot of hope riding on it.

 
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