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Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols is scheduled to interview for the Houston Astros’ managerial vacancy this week, as reported by USA TODAY Sports citing a person with direct knowledge of the situation.
Managerial Aspirations and Experience
The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Astros have not publicly identified their managerial candidates, a group that also includes New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus. Pujols, who previously interviewed last year for managerial openings with the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres, has maintained a strong desire to lead a team since finishing his playing career after the 2022 season. He guided the Dominican Republic to a third-place finish in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and led Leones del Escogido to the 2025 Caribbean Series championship in the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League.
Reflecting on his ambitions last season, Pujols told USA TODAY Sports, “For me, I’ve always been serious about everything that I do in this game, and now I’m serious about managing. This game has done so much for me, and now, I want to give back. I’m ready.”
Potential Reunion and Historical Significance
Securing the position would reunite Pujols with newly appointed Astros general manager Randy Flores. The two previously played together as St. Louis Cardinals teammates, winning the World Series in 2006. Set to become eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028, Pujols would make history as the first 700-homer hitter to manage in the major leagues.
During his introductory press conference on Monday, Flores declined to confirm or deny the interview plans, citing potential tampering regulations regarding employees from other organizations. However, Flores expressed his intention to reach a swift resolution for the opening, stating that he plans to rely on his network, experience, and expertise to guide the club forward. Officially, Pujols remains under contract with the Angels, currently four years into a 10-year personal services agreement established alongside his previous player contract.
Endorsements and Qualifications
Tony La Russa, the Hall of Fame manager who oversaw Pujols for 11 seasons in St. Louis, offered high praise last year, stating that Pujols possesses the integrity, baseball IQ, and discipline required to excel in the role. Pujols himself emphasized that his extensive two-decade playing career provides valuable preparation for the dugout.
“I’d love the opportunity to give back to the game of baseball,” Pujols said. “I know I don’t have the experience as a manager, but 23 years in this game, you go through a lot. I’m talking about experience from baseball, being on the field and in the locker room. It’s not going from a university to try to be a manager and not having any baseball experience. Old-school mentality can help young mentality.”
The Astros and Angels currently remain the only two MLB teams with active managerial openings, following the Seattle Mariners’ hiring of Jason Kanzler on Monday.
