Albert Pujols might be on his way back to the Los Angeles Angels, only this time, not as a player. The Hall of Fame first baseman reportedly met with Angels general manager Perry Minasian in St. Louis to discuss the team’s managerial opening, according to ESPN.
The Angels have not yet made a formal offer, but Pujols has been a top candidate since the team declined the 2026 option on manager Ron Washington’s contract. Sources say the meeting marks the first formal discussion Pujols has had with any team about taking over as manager.
Pujols, 45, has made it clear he wants to manage in the big leagues. He recently guided the Leones del Escogido to a Dominican Winter League championship and was named to manage the Dominican Republic in next year’s World Baseball Classic, a role he’d likely give up if hired by an MLB club.
The Angels’ connection with Pujols runs deep. His 10-year, $240 million deal with the club, signed in 2011, included a personal-services agreement that began after he retired. That contract could become part of new negotiations if he joins the Angels’ staff.
Pujols has stayed active with the organization, serving as a guest instructor at spring training over the past three years. Both Minasian and owner Arte Moreno reportedly view him as a strong fit to help lead a roster looking to rebuild its identity.
MORE: Total domination to start National League Divisional Series Game 2
All time great
Over a 22-year career, Pujols became one of baseball’s all-time greats, winning three MVP awards, two World Series titles, and hitting 703 home runs. His best seasons came with the St. Louis Cardinals, but managing the Angels could give him the next big chapter in his storied career.
If hired, Pujols would be stepping into one of six managerial vacancies around the league, and possibly into a full-circle moment with the franchise that once invested a decade in his playing days.
More MLB News:
- 21-year old slugger makes MLB postseason history in Game 1 of NLDS
- Milwaukee Brewers just short of MLB playoff record in NLDS Game 1 vs. Chicago Cubs
- Craig Counsell, Cubs shake up roster, add Ben Brown for NLDS showdown with Brewers