MLB Insider Explains The Phil Nevin Contract

The Los Angeles Angels announced on Wednesday that Phil Nevin will be returning in 2023 as the team manager.

What we didn’t know, to this point, were the terms of the agreement.

According to MLB insider Bill Shaikin, the Angels signed Nevin to a one-year deal that covers the 2023 season.

If they want him to continue beyond that point, the two sides will need to renegotiate a new deal.

Per Shaikin, this was done that way because the Angels are for sale and could change owners at some point in 2022 or 2023.

To avoid the hassle of buying out a long-term deal, both sides settled for a one-year. “prove-it” deal for next year.

“The team is for sale. If the new owner wants to go in a different direction, this removes the possibility that the new owner would have to buy out a multi-year contract in order to change managers,” Shaikin clarified.

The team is for sale. If the new owner wants to go in a different direction, this removes the possibility that the new owner would have to buy out a multi-year contract in order to change managers.

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 5, 2022

The Real Test Will Begin In 2023 For Nevin

Nevin, after all, will need to prove that he can lead an Angels team constructed under his conditions and preferences (together with the front office, of course).

He has the backing of team star Mike Trout, and earned a 46-59 record in 105 games managed this year under very difficult circumstances.

That record isn’t good by any means, but considering the scenario and the flaws on the Angels’ roster, it was good enough to convince the front office that Nevin was the right man for the job in 2023.

The real test, for him, will come in 2023.

The Angels haven’t made it to the postseason since 2014, and if Nevin manages to guide them to the promised land, he could be in store for a long-term deal new ownership or not.