Full Breakdown
Arte Moreno's Comments Spark Backlash Among Angels Players and MLBPA
2/23/2026, 1:43:50 AM
Controversial Remarks on Fan Priorities
Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno has faced significant criticism following his comments suggesting that winning is not a top priority for fans. During a press conference on February 20, Moreno stated, “The number one thing fans want is affordability. They want affordability. They want safety, and they want a good experience when they come to the ballpark. Believe it or not, winning is not in their top five.” These remarks have raised eyebrows among players and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), particularly as the Angels have not made the playoffs since 2014.
Players' Reactions and Union Concerns
MLBPA director Bruce Meyer indicated that players were displeased with Moreno's assertions. After meeting with Angels players, Meyer remarked, “Let’s just say players took notice of it. The bottom line is players are competitors... They want to see owners doing the same thing.” The union views the Angels as a team with the potential to compete in a major market like Los Angeles, especially given their resources. Meyer emphasized, “If you can’t have a successful operation in Los Angeles, it’s hard to see what the problem is.”
Financial Context and Payroll Decisions
Moreno's comments come amid a significant reduction in the Angels' payroll, which has dropped from approximately $206 million in 2025 to around $155 million for the 2026 season. This decrease has been attributed to a broken television deal with Main Street Sports Group, which Moreno cited as a reason for the team's conservative spending. He stated, “Will (payroll) get back to $200 million? Probably. We’ve got to get our TV thing worked out, and we just have to improve our brand.”
Criticism from Former Players
Former Angels outfielder Kevin Pillar has also weighed in, expressing disbelief at Moreno's comments. Pillar stated, “I don’t really know what the point of this kind of survey was... Winning is all fans should really care about, and that’s a non-negotiable.” He urged Moreno to reconsider his priorities, suggesting that the Angels could be a desirable destination for players if the ownership demonstrated a commitment to winning.
Official Statements & Responses
The Angels organization has not provided specifics regarding the survey Moreno referenced, nor have they responded to the criticism from Meyer and Pillar. Moreno has maintained that his personal priority is winning, but he questioned the financial feasibility of achieving that goal.
What's Next for the Angels?
As the Angels prepare for the 2026 season, the focus will be on whether they can improve their performance and regain competitiveness in the league. The ongoing discussions about ownership and financial strategy will likely continue to shape the narrative surrounding the team.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Let’s just say players took notice of it,” — Bruce Meyer, MLBPA Director
- “If you can’t have a successful operation in Los Angeles, it’s hard to see what the problem is.” — Bruce Meyer, MLBPA Director
- “It’s just, what’s the cost of winning right now?” — Arte Moreno, Angels Owner
