Kevin Pillar, a 13-year MLB veteran, has publicly called for Angels owner Arte Moreno to sell the team, claiming the owner doesn’t care about winning. This comes after Moreno’s controversial remarks about fans prioritizing affordability over victories. The saga has reignited debates about the franchise’s direction and ownership.
Kevin Pillar, a veteran outfielder who retired in July 2025 after 13 MLB seasons, has become the latest high-profile critic of Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno. In a recent appearance on the “Foul Territory” podcast, Pillar didn’t minced words when he questioned Moreno’s commitment to building a winning franchise. This comes just days after Moreno’s incendiary comments suggesting that Angels fans prioritize affordability over the team’s success.
The Controversial Survey That Sparked Backlash
Moreno recently cited an internal team survey, stating, “The number one thing fans want is affordability.” He continued by saying, “Winning is not in their top five.” This assertion has been met with widespread criticism from players, analysts, and fans alike. Bruce Meyer, the interim executive director of the MLB Players Association, confirmed that the union has taken notice of Moreno’s remarks, emphasizing that players are focused on competing at the highest level and expect owners to share the same dedication to winning.
Moreno added that “moms” make the majority of decisions about attending games, arguing that they prioritize affordability, safety, and overall experience over the team’s competitive success. This line of reasoning has only further alienated many Angels supporters who have watched the franchise flounder for over a decade.
A Chronic Pattern of Underachievement
The Angels’ struggles under Moreno’s leadership have been well-documented. Despite boasting marquee talent like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Albert Pujols during various portions of his tenure, the franchise has made only one playoff appearance since 2010. That equates to sixteen years of mediocrity for a team that entered the league in 1961 and captured its sole World Series victory in 2002, just one year before Moreno bought the franchise.
Payroll Cuts and Deferred Payments
Despite historically ranking among the top third in MLB payroll, recent cost-cutting measures have raised additional concerns. Moreno slashed the Angels’ payroll to $155 million for 2026, a figure that includes deferred salaries to injured players such as third baseman Anthony Rendon. Moreno attributed this drastic reduction to the team’s loss of its regional television contract—a critical revenue stream. The owner contends that he plans to rebuild the payroll to $200 million, but only after resolving the team’s TV rights and self-described “brand image” challenges.
Ownership Transition Delayed by “Unfinished Business”
In August 2022, Moreno announced that he was actively exploring the sale of the club, sparking hope among frustrated fans that a new ownership group could reinvigorate the team. However, he abruptly reversed course in January 2023, stating that he had “unfinished business” to address before selling. The specifics of this “unfinished business” have remained nebulous—though it is widely speculated to involve securing a long-term solution for Trout’s contractual future and finalizing a lucrative regional television deal. Nevertheless, fans and analysts are skeptical that such incremental changes can sufficiently address the deep-rooted issues that have plagued the team for well over a decade.
Fan Reactions and Future Prospects
Many Angels fans believe the only viable path toward sustained competitive success is a complete change in ownership. They point to successful changeovers in franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and more recently, the Washington Nationals, where new stewardship restored fan confidence and led to sustained on-field improvement. A reinvigorated ownership group could prioritize attracting impact talent, modernizing scouting and analytics divisions, and integrating community-focused strategies that enhance the stadium experience without compromising competitiveness.
For now, the Angels appear stuck in a cycle of high expectations with disappointing outcomes. As the 2026 season looms, the team finds itself at a crossroads—one where both its legacy stars and its future prospects require stability and strategic vision beyond short-term financial expediency.
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