Los Angeles Angels remove scouting director Matt Swanson
By David Hill
The Los Angeles Angels have seen their farm system improve slightly over the past few years. Even if Jo Adell has yet to prove himself at the major league level, the likes of Brandon Marsh, Reid Detmers, and Jordyn Adams are all expected to become stars. Scouting director Matt Swanson, who has been in charge of the Angels’ draft since 2017, has been a key part of adding those pieces to their future.
However, those improvements to the Angels’ future were not enough to keep Swanson with the organization. The team announced on Wednesday that he is no longer a part of the organization.
Matt Swanson has lost his job as #Angels scouting director. He oversaw the last 5 drafts, starting with 2017 (Jo Adell). No word yet on his replacement.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) October 20, 2021
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While that improvement to their farm system may have a lot to do with Swanson’s guidance, that does not mean his tenure has been without controversy. He did oversee that Angels’ most recent draft, which included selecting nothing but pitching over the 20 rounds of the 2021 MLB Draft.
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One has to wonder how much that draft impacted this decision. It is far more likely that general manager Perry Minasian wants his own person in charge, as Swanson was hired by former GM Billy Eppler. It makes sense to have someone in that role who is more in line with their philosophy at the major league level.
But this may also signal a change in what type of players the Angels target. The Angels have gone after players with intriguing tools, both in the draft and on the international prospect front. However, the Angels have not been nearly as successful as they need to be in terms of turning those tools into production.
That is truly the key. While there are players who should make a difference at the major league level for the Angels, the farm system has not displayed that much of an improvement in the rankings. Expected stars, such as Adell, have not come from these drafts. It was time for a change.
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The Los Angeles Angels are making changes to their front office. Scouting director Matt Swanson, a key part of their drafts, has been let go.