The Los Angeles Angels might be about to make one of the boldest managerial hires in recent baseball memory. According to league sources, Albert Pujols—the iconic slugger and future Hall of Famer—recently sat down with Angels general manager Perry Minasian in St. Louis to talk about the team’s open manager spot.
Owner Arte Moreno apparently has Pujols at the top of his list to replace Ron Washington. Early conversations have started, and it’s possible the three-time MVP could return to the dugout—not as a player, but as the guy running the show.
Inside the Meeting Between Pujols and Minasian
People close to the situation say the chat between Minasian and Pujols went well and opened the door for further talks. The discussions are still in the early stages, but it sounds like Moreno really wants Pujols to lead the franchise.
No deal is in place yet. Since the league doesn’t love big news breaking during the playoffs, fans probably shouldn’t expect anything official right away.
A Decision That Could Rest in Pujols’ Hands
Right now, it looks like the ball’s in Pujols’ court. The Angels are working to make their pitch as appealing as possible, but ultimately, Pujols has to decide if this is the right move for him after hanging up his cleats.
Former Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is apparently waiting in the wings as a backup option if things don’t work out.
Navigating Contract Complexities
Pujols’ unusual contract situation adds a twist here. He still has a 10-year, $10 million personal services contract—a leftover from his original $240 million deal as a player.
How that existing agreement fits with a potential manager contract is still being hashed out, and honestly, it could make or break the whole thing.
Timeline for a Managerial Announcement
The Angels hope to name a new manager before the World Series starts. Major League Baseball, though, would rather teams keep quiet during the postseason, so timing gets tricky.
That leaves a pretty tight window for Minasian and Moreno to lock in their choice without stepping on MLB’s toes.
Pujols’ Coaching Vision Already Taking Shape
Pujols hasn’t even signed anything yet, but he’s already thinking about who could join his staff. Ramon Martinez, brother of Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, has popped up as Pujols’ favorite for pitching coach.
Ramon brings loads of experience as both a player and mentor, and he’d give the Angels’ pitching staff a seasoned voice in the dugout.
Proven Managerial Experience
Pujols isn’t exactly a rookie in the manager’s seat. He led Leones Del Escogido to a Dominican Winter League championship, showing he can handle the pressure and make the right calls.
He’s also set to manage the Dominican Republic squad in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. That’s another high-profile gig to add to his résumé.
Why the Angels Are Interested in Pujols
Moreno’s interest in Pujols goes way beyond nostalgia. The Angels have struggled with identity and consistency, and bringing in a leader like Pujols could light a fire under the team and the fan base.
His deep baseball IQ, fierce competitiveness, and knack for coming through in big moments make him a pretty compelling choice.
Potential Benefits of a Pujols Hire
A Pujols-led Angels could offer:
- Instant credibility in the clubhouse.
- A strong cultural and motivational presence.
- A well-connected network in both MLB and international baseball.
- Fresh managerial energy paired with championship experience.
Final Thoughts
If the Angels actually bring in Albert Pujols as their new manager, it could be a huge moment for the franchise. It might even shake up baseball a bit.
Maybe the deal gets done before the World Series announcement window, maybe not. Either way, just the rumor shows the Angels aren’t afraid to go bold—or dream big.
Fans can only wait and see how these talks go. There’s a real chance that one of the game’s legends could soon be running things from the dugout.
—
Would you like me to also create an SEO-friendly meta description for this blog post to help maximize search engine visibility?
Here is the source article for this story: Albert Pujols meets with Angels about managerial job, discusses potential contract: Sources
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s