Despite nine-and-a-half years of service, 222 home runs, and an All-Star nod with the Los Angeles Angels during his career, Albert Pujols will not be the team’s next manager.
According to ESPN, talks between the Los Angeles Angels and Albert Pujols regarding the managerial opening have fallen through. That doesn’t mean Pujols’ return to the dugout has passed him by, though. Per reports, Pujols already has an interview with the San Diego Padres regarding their open managerial position. Furthermore, the Baltimore Orioles have expressed interest in Pujols as well.
MLB manager openings: Which MLB teams have vacancies?
San Diego Padres
Los Angeles Angels
Baltimore Orioles
San Francisco Giants
Washington Nationals
Atlanta Braves
Minnesota Twins
Colorado Rockies
Pujols’ managerial experience
Since retiring from MLB, Pujols has worked as a special assistant for the Angels, as part of a 10-year, $10 million contract that started after Pujols retired.
That said, he has expressed interest in managing a big league club for many years now, even finding success managing other professional teams. He led a Dominican winter ball team, Leones del Escogido, to a championship in January this year. He was also named manager for the Dominican Republic team in next year’s World Baseball Classic.