Sources indicate that the Los Angeles Angels are engaged in discussions with former star Albert Pujols regarding a potential agreement for him to assume the role of the team’s new field manager. According to information obtained by The Athletic, while a deal is not yet finalized, these conversations follow a meeting that took place on Thursday between Pujols and general manager Perry Minasian.
Following the conclusion of the regular season, the Angels made a formal announcement stating that neither Ron Washington, the manager, nor Ray Montgomery, the interim manager, would be returning to lead the team in 2026. Montgomery had temporarily taken over managerial duties while Washington was on medical leave.
Subsequently, reports emerged that owner Arte Moreno had identified Pujols as his preferred candidate for the managerial position. It is important to note that Pujols remains under contract with the Angels. The agreement he signed as a player incorporated a 10-year arrangement for personal services upon his retirement. Since his departure after the 2022 season, Pujols has primarily served as a representative for the organization. (It should be noted that Major League Baseball has since prohibited personal service contracts, and the implications of this rule in this situation are currently unclear.)
At 45 years of age, Pujols is still expected to manage the Dominican Republic team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic next spring. Last winter, he achieved victory in the Dominican Winter League championship as the manager of Leones del Esogido.
Pujols is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players in recent baseball history. Throughout his 22-year career, he maintained a batting average of .296, an on-base percentage of .374, and a slugging percentage of .544, while also recording 703 home runs and 117 stolen bases. Baseball Reference estimates that his contributions were equivalent to 101.2 Wins Above Replacement. Pujols received numerous accolades, including 11 All-Star selections, three Most Valuable Player Awards, two Gold Glove Awards, six Silver Slugger Awards, and two World Series titles.
The Angels have faced challenges in maintaining consistency and achieving success in the managerial position since Mike Scioscia left the team in the winter of 2018. If appointed, Pujols would be their fifth full-time manager in the past eight years, following Washington, Phil Nevin, Joe Maddon, and Brad Ausmus.
