Albert Pujols is stepping away from the Los Angeles Angels’ managerial race. But he’s not out of the game just yet. Pujols is set to interview for the managerial position with the San Diego Padres soon. Rumors also swirl about interest from the Baltimore Orioles, though no interview is scheduled there yet.
The Padres are among several teams searching for a new manager after Mike Shildt announced his retirement. Other teams in need include the Angels, Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies, and Minnesota Twins.
At 45, Pujols holds a special place for the Padres, particularly among stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. Currently, he serves as a special assistant with the Angels, part of a decade-long contract that began after his retirement in 2022. He previously met with Angels general manager Perry Minasian about the manager role, but talks have now ended.
Pujols has a strong desire to manage in the Major Leagues. He recently led a Dominican winter baseball team, the Leones del Escogido, to a championship. He is also slated to manage the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, although he might step back from that if he secures a big league job.
Interesting to note, Pujols’s impact on teams isn’t just about his playing career. Expert opinions suggest that a managerial role could benefit from his vast experience and deep understanding of the game, making him a valuable asset to any team.
With the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, teams are looking for leaders who can connect with players and drive performance. Pujols could very well fit that mold. As managerial searches continue, his next steps will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
For more details on the state of MLB managerial positions, you can read the latest from ESPN.
