There are now five MLB clubs that are in search of a new manager for the 2026 season.
Bob Melvin was fired by the San Francisco Giants, Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers decided to part ways, the Twins dismissed Rocco Baldelli, and Brian Snitker announced today that he will step into a senior advisor role with the Atlanta Braves.
It was also announced that the Los Angeles Angels' previous manager, Ron Washington, is not expected back with the team. The same goes for the Angels' interim manager, Ray Montgomery. Since that announcement, there has been a recent update on who might be the frontrunner to take the Halos manager position.
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Angels' owner Arte Moreno's leading managerial choice is Albert Pujols
According to a few different sources, Angels legend Albert Pujols is believed to be Arte Moreno's top choice as the next manager for his team in Anaheim.
While Pujols has no actual managing experience, he is set to be the Dominican Republic's manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Moreno and the rest of the Angels' ownership group are likely going to want to find a solution way before then.
Would Pujols be the best player-turner-manager in baseball history?
There have been a lot of great MLB players turned managers for clubs they've either played with or have a personal connection with, but none have the accolades of Pujols.
Some of the other potential candidates for the Angels' open position are Torii Hunter and Michael Young.
Pujols has been pretty adamant about the idea of managing, and this could be one of the biggest storylines to follow this MLB offseason.
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