Persistent "sell the team" chants from Los Angeles Angels fans at Angel Stadium, coupled with a negative atmosphere, contributed to owner Arte Moreno's decision to sell the franchise, according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal.
Rosenthal, speaking on an episode of "Foul Territory," indicated that Moreno was aware of the fan resentment. "We all know the atmosphere at the ballpark for Arte Moreno has not been good," Rosenthal said. "And I talked to someone [Wednesday] who said he had heard from Moreno that, yeah, the negative environment did affect him, and did kind of prompt him to do this now."
Moreno reportedly began reconsidering his future with the team after the San Diego Padres were sold for a reported $3.9 billion in April. Rosenthal suggested that once Moreno received a satisfactory price, he may have decided it was time to move on, stating, "Once he got the price he wanted, then I would think maybe he thought, ‘Ok enough’s enough. I don’t need this; my family doesn’t need this.'"
Fans not only voiced their displeasure through chants during games but also organized targeted protests urging Moreno to sell the team. Johnny Gonzalez, who organized one such protest, told The California Post that fans were committed to continuing the chants until Moreno relinquished control.
Behind the scenes, there were indications that Moreno might have anticipated a sale before the season began, as team president John Carpino announced his retirement in March. Molly Jolly was subsequently appointed as team president and initiated significant changes within the front office. General manager Perry Minasian was fired in June, and John Mozeliak was named interim general manager.
Under Jolly and Mozeliak, the Angels became sellers at the trade deadline for the first time during Moreno's tenure. The team also made changes to its coaching and scouting departments. Pitching coaches Mike Maddux, Dom Chiti, and assistant coach Darryl Scott were dismissed. The scouting department saw the departure of three area scouts, three cross-checkers, and interim manager Ray Montgomery.
These moves, along with the eventual sale, came as a surprise, given Moreno's history as an engaged owner who actively participated in front office and roster decisions. The new ownership under Stan Kroenke is expected to bring a different management style, characterized by hiring personnel and allowing them to operate with autonomy.