The baseball world is buzzing as future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols explores a new chapter in his legendary career: managing in Major League Baseball. With interviews already held with the Los Angeles Angels and reported interest from the surging Baltimore Orioles, ‘The Machine’ is making a compelling case to lead from the dugout, bringing a wealth of playing experience and recent managerial success to the table.
After a storied 22-season career that solidified his place among baseball’s all-time greats, Albert Pujols is not content to simply fade into retirement. The three-time National League MVP, who retired in 2022, has openly expressed his desire to manage in the major leagues, and the interest is clearly mutual. Two prominent organizations, the Los Angeles Angels and the Baltimore Orioles, have emerged as key suitors for his leadership in the dugout.
The Angels’ Familiar Territory: A Managerial Interview
The Los Angeles Angels have wasted no time in exploring a potential reunion with Pujols. On Thursday, sources confirmed that Pujols met with Angels general manager Perry Minasian to discuss the team’s open managerial role. This interview comes after the Angels declined the option on Ron Washington’s deal following his two seasons managing the team.
Pujols’ ties to the Angels run deep. He spent 10 seasons with the franchise, from 2012 to 2021, after signing a massive $240 million deal. Beyond his playing career, he also holds a 10-year, $10 million personal services contract with the team, which he has fulfilled by assisting in spring training and working with Angels minor leaguers since his retirement. While Pujols is considered a leading candidate, Torii Hunter, who serves as a special assistant in the Angels’ front office, is also expected to be interviewed for the position.
Baltimore’s Rising Dynasty and Managerial Search
The Baltimore Orioles, fresh off consecutive playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024, are also reportedly interested in Pujols. While no formal interview has taken place yet, ESPN confirmed the Orioles’ interest. Baltimore recently parted ways with manager Brandon Hyde after a 15-28 start to the 2025 season. Interim manager Tony Mansolino led the team to a 60-59 record, finishing the season at 75-87, and remains a candidate for the full-time role, but the Orioles are clearly looking at external options.
The Orioles are an attractive destination, boasting a wealth of young talent and coming off a 101-win season in 2023 that secured the American League East title. Their commitment to winning was further underscored by the blockbuster acquisition of 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes and the signing of veteran closer Craig Kimbrel. This competitive window makes their managerial search particularly significant.
Intriguing connections already exist between Pujols and the Orioles organization. Mike Elias, Baltimore’s president of baseball operations, was a Cardinals scout during Pujols’ dominant tenure in St. Louis. Furthermore, former teammate Matt Holliday is the father of one of Baltimore’s top young players, 21-year-old infielder Jackson Holliday. These existing relationships could play a role in his potential fit with the O’s.
Pujols’ Qualifications: From Legend to Leader
Pujols, at 45 years old, brings a unique blend of recent playing experience at the highest level and burgeoning managerial credentials. His leadership on and off the field throughout his career is undeniable. He managed the Leones del Escogido to a championship in the Dominican winter baseball league last winter and is set to manage his native Dominican Republic team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
His playing career speaks volumes about his understanding of the game and his ability to motivate. Pujols retired with a .296 batting average, 703 home runs, and 2,218 RBIs. A three-time NL MVP (2005, 2008, 2009), 11-time All-Star, and two-time World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals, his resume is unmatched. He also earned the 2001 NL Rookie of the Year, two Gold Gloves, six Silver Sluggers, the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, and the 2022 NL Comeback Player of the Year, as detailed by MLB.com.
The Angels Contract Legacy: An Unforgettable Chapter
While Pujols’ time with the Angels was marked by staggering statistics, his monumental 10-year, $240 million contract signed in 2011 is often cited as one of Major League Baseball’s most significant free-agency disappointments, particularly in terms of production versus money spent in his later years. As highlighted by Bleacher Report, the contract became an “albatross” in its later stages, with his slash line dropping significantly from his Cardinals prime. His personal services contract, however, has kept him connected to the organization.
For Angels fans, the possibility of Pujols returning as manager presents a complex emotional landscape. Can he rewrite his Angels legacy, this time from the dugout, by guiding the team to consistent success that eluded them during much of his playing tenure?
Baltimore’s New Vision Under Rubenstein
The Orioles are operating under a fresh sense of optimism and renewed commitment to winning. Major League Baseball owners unanimously approved the sale of the team to a group led by Baltimore native David Rubenstein, ending over three decades of Angelos family ownership. Rubenstein, co-founder of Carlyle Group Inc., expressed his commitment to delivering a World Series trophy to Baltimore, a sentiment echoed by fans and analysts alike.
Rubenstein’s group, which includes baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. and basketball Hall of Famer Grant Hill, acquired the team for an evaluation worth $1.725 billion. This new ownership, coupled with a recently secured 30-year lease for Camden Yards and a thriving farm system that has produced stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, positions the Orioles for sustained success. The question remains whether Rubenstein will be a more aggressive spender to maximize this championship window, and how a managerial choice like Pujols would fit into that aggressive, winning culture.
The Broader Managerial Landscape
The Angels and Orioles are far from the only teams seeking new leadership. The current offseason has seen a significant turnover in managerial positions across MLB, with openings also reported for the:
- Atlanta Braves
- Colorado Rockies
- Minnesota Twins
- San Diego Padres
- San Francisco Giants
- Washington Nationals
This wide array of vacancies underscores the competitive nature of finding the right leader to steer a franchise. Pujols’ name appearing on multiple shortlists demonstrates the high regard for his baseball acumen and leadership potential.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for ‘The Machine’
Whether Albert Pujols ultimately lands with the Los Angeles Angels, the Baltimore Orioles, or another franchise, his pivot to a managerial career marks a fascinating new chapter for one of baseball’s most iconic figures. His unparalleled playing experience, recent success in the Dominican winter league, and deep understanding of the game make him an intriguing candidate for any team looking for a respected leader to guide their young talent or push a contender over the top. The baseball world eagerly awaits to see where ‘The Machine’ will build his new legacy.
