Future Hall of Fame first baseman Albert Pujols recently met with Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian in St. Louis to discuss the team’s managerial vacancy, as confirmed by a source familiar with the situation. This meeting occurred on Thursday night and comes on the heels of the Angels’ decision to decline the 2026 option on manager Ron Washington’s contract, rendering Pujols a top candidate for the role.
At 45 years old, Pujols has long been interested in managing at the major league level. He showcased his leadership skills earlier this year by guiding the Dominican winter ball team Leones del Escogido to a championship title in January. Additionally, Pujols was named manager for his native Dominican Republic for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, although he would likely step down from that position should he secure a big league managing job this offseason.
The Angels are among six teams currently searching for managers, with other clubs also expressing interest in Pujols. However, the Angels are the only team he has formally engaged with regarding the managerial role. Pujols previously signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Angels in December 2011, which included a $10 million personal-services contract that commenced after his retirement. Any potential negotiations regarding his managing position may involve this agreement.
Having served as a special guest instructor at Angels spring training for the past three seasons, Pujols has maintained a strong relationship with the organization, particularly with Minasian, who has always held him in high regard. Angels owner Arte Moreno also views Pujols as a prime candidate for the managerial position.
Renowned as one of the greatest players of the 2000s, Pujols boasts an impressive career record with three MVP awards, two World Series titles, 703 home runs, 2,218 RBIs, and 3,384 hits. While his most notable years were spent in St. Louis, the Angels may provide him with his first opportunity to manage at the major league level, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.