Kevin Pillar Calls for Angels Owner to Sell the Team
Former MLB outfielder Kevin Pillar has voiced his desire for Angels owner Arte Moreno to sell the team. This comment comes shortly after Moreno remarked that fans prioritize affordability over winning, which, naturally, sparked some criticisms in Anaheim.
Pillar expressed his thoughts during a guest appearance on the “Foul Territory” podcast, saying, “He doesn’t realize what he’s capable of. If he genuinely cared about winning, this franchise could be a fantastic place for talented players.” He further stated, “He just needs to be let go because it’s clear he doesn’t care about the Angels, especially since the value of the franchise is increasing again.”
Moreno’s comments about affordability resonated with fans, as he mentioned that an internal team survey indicated winning wasn’t a top concern. He noted, “Moms appreciate the affordable aspects of events like baseball games,” suggesting that family-friendly experiences are a priority.
“Roughly 80 percent of decisions are influenced by moms,” he added. “They want to bring their kids for a safe, enjoyable outing, so they’re looking for entertainment that fits their budget. For purists, though, it’s all about winning.”
Pillar, who had a 13-season career in the majors before retiring in July, noted that he played part of the 2024 season with the Angels. The reactions to Moreno’s statements haven’t been limited to fans; Bruce Meyer, the new interim executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, pointed out that players and the organization are noticing these remarks.
“The bottom line is that players are competitors,” Meyer commented. “They work hard to win every single game. They want to see that commitment from the owners too.” Despite having several superstar talents over the years, the Angels have struggled significantly under Moreno’s ownership.
Since Moreno acquired the team in May 2003—not long after their World Series win—the Angels have made the playoffs in just five out of the last seven seasons, and they have faced difficulties since. They have notably squandered the careers of legends like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani by only playing in one postseason game since 2010.
In fact, the Angels have finished below .500 for the last ten years. Following years of large free-agent signings and maintaining one of the highest payrolls in sports, Moreno has recently reduced the payroll to around $155 million, which includes deferred payments to Anthony Rendon, who has been injured.
Moreno attributed this budget-cutting strategy to the loss of the local TV contract. As for the future, he mused, “Will the payroll return to $200 million? Probably. We just need to enhance our TV deals and improve our brand.” In August 2022, he had announced a consideration to sell the team but later halted those plans, citing “unfinished business.”
