Kevin Pillar, a former MLB player who spent time with 10 different teams including the Los Angeles Angels in 2024, has sparked controversy by sharply criticizing Angels owner Arte Moreno. Speaking as a Toronto Blue Jays analyst and host of Foul Territory on Sportsnet, Pillar reacted strongly to Moreno’s recent remarks about what matters most to fans, arguing that Moreno should sell the club to someone who truly values winning.
Moreno’s Comments on Fans’ Priorities Stir Backlash
Arte Moreno recently told Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group that fans care most about affordability, safety, and enjoying their ballpark experience, adding,
“Believe it or not, winning is not in their top five.”
These statements ignited frustration from Pillar, who challenged Moreno’s commitment to building a competitive and championship-caliber team.
Pillar Questions Moreno’s Commitment to Winning
On Foul Territory, Pillar voiced his dissatisfaction bluntly:
“He needs to get rid of the team, because he really doesn’t care about the Angels.”
He argued that if winning was truly a priority for Moreno, the Angels would be an attractive destination for top players. Instead, Pillar suggested the owner is disconnected from what it takes to establish a successful franchise in Anaheim.
“He doesn’t realize what he has, because if he really cared about winning, it would be such a destination for players to want to come and play,”
Pillar said.
“It’s just a matter of time. He just needs to get rid of the team because he really doesn’t really care about, you know, the Angels.”
Pillar also noted that although Moreno stated he was not actively seeking to sell the team, there are many potential buyers interested in purchasing the franchise.
“So hopefully someone just kind of blows them away with an offer here soon, and we could kind of move past the story.”
Background on Moreno’s Ownership and Team Challenges
Arte Moreno has owned the Angels since 2003 and briefly considered selling the franchise in 2022 but ultimately decided against it. His tenure has faced criticism for several decisions, including rebranding the team under the “Los Angeles Angels” name instead of Anaheim, and an inability to construct a championship-winning roster despite having star players like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. The Angels’ last World Series title dates back to 2002, the year before Moreno took ownership.
Potential Impact of Ownership Dissatisfaction on the Angels’ Future
Pillar’s remarks highlight growing unrest among former players and fans regarding the direction of the Angels under Moreno’s leadership. His call for new ownership points to mounting pressure for change if the team hopes to become a true contender and attract distinguished talent. The controversy underscores a wider debate within Major League Baseball about balancing fan experience with competitive success in a large market like Los Angeles.
"He needs to get rid of the team, because he really doesn't care about the Angels."
If Arte Moreno truly prioritized winning, Anaheim would be a destination franchise, says @KPillar4. pic.twitter.com/7axAX8ywJc
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 21, 2026
