Torii Hunter won't get Angels' open manager job- but could fill the Twins' opening
MLB's Mark Feinsand reported that former outfielder Torii Hunter won't get the Los Angeles Angels' open manager job after rumors of him being one of the candidates for the vacancy. However, Feinsand said a source told him Hunter could still be a candidate for the Minnesota Twins' open manager job.
Hunter joins Nick Punto, James Rowson, Derek Shelton, Ramón Vázquez, Vance Wilson, Scott Servais and Kurt Suzuki on the list of reported Twins manager candidates.
Hunter has no prior experience managing or coaching, but he has been working as a special assistant in the league for several years. He is currently a special assistant to Angels general manager Perry Minasian, a role he took in 2024. During Angels games this year, Hunter was often seen in Los Angeles' dugout, suggesting he likely offered his wisdom to players like a coach.
Many Twins fans have expressed interest in Hunter becoming the team's new manager. As a player, Hunter was known for being a clubhouse leader and giving 100% each day, both qualities that should translate into being a good manager.
Hunter, 50, made his MLB debut with the Twins in 1997. He stayed with the organization through the 2007 season, then rejoined the team for his final season (2015). In his 12 years with Minnesota, Hunter posted 26.4 bWAR and hit .268/.321/.462 with 214 homers, 792 RBIs and 128 stolen bases while earning seven Gold Glove Awards and two All-Star Game selections. Hunter provided the Twins with spectacular production at the plate during the postseason as well, hitting .300/.337/.538 with three homers, eight RBIs and 15 runs in 21 playoff games with the Twins.
After Hunter's first tenure with the Twins, the outfielder signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Angels. Hunter earned two All-Star nods and two Gold Glove Awards with Los Angeles. After his contract expired with the Angels, Hunter signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. He made the American League All-Star team and earned a Silver Slugger Award in his first season with Detroit before regressing the following year. After his time with Detroit, Hunter rejoined the Twins for his final season.