After yet another season of missing the postseason for the Los Angeles Angels, the team decided to make significant managerial moves to begin their offseason.
After Ron Washington was placed on medical leave after undergoing quadruple bypass heart surgery in late June, the Angels decided not to pick up his option for the 2026 season. Los Angeles will be looking for a new manager moving forward.
With this being said, a large name in the MLB community has emerged as a top hiring prospect for the Angels.
Albert Pujols labeled as 'leading choice' for Angels' managing position
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported on Wednesday that former MLB superstar Albert Pujols is the "leading choice for the job for Angels owner Arte Moreno."
Rosenthal also mentioned that "one source close to the former slugger suggested the decision may be Pujols' to make."
The future Hall of Famer spent 10 seasons with the Angels from 2012 to 2021, hitting 222 home runs for the ball club over that span. He's currently on Los Angeles' payroll after agreeing to a 10-year, $10 million personal services contract, and started to get payments from that deal after retiring in 2022.
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He was more notable while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2001 to 2011, and had another stint with the team in the 2022 season. While playing for the Cardinals, he had 469 home runs and helped them win two World Series championships in 2006 and 2011.
The Angels are in line to hire their sixth manager in the last nine seasons. Whether it ends up being Pujols or not, team owner Arte Moreno is desperate to find a reliable person to help lead his team back to winning baseball.
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