Angels out, Padres next
Albert Pujols is no longer in consideration for the Los Angeles Angels managerial opening after both sides ended talks earlier this week, ESPN reported. The Dominican legend will now interview with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday for their vacant managerial position.
If Albert Pujols wants to manage, is he missing an excellent opportunity with the Angels?
"It's a no pressure spot," says @AJPierzynski12. pic.twitter.com/6gBWOxF450
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) October 20, 2025
The Angels granted the Padres permission to speak with Pujols following his meeting with general manager Perry Minasian on October 9 in St. Louis. The Angels declined the 2026 option on manager Ron Washington’s contract after the regular season.
Dominican Republic manager Albert Pujols named Johnny Cueto his starter for the club’s second game of the Caribbean Series against the Japan Breeze on Tuesday. (Photo Courtesy of the CBPC)
Success in the Dominican Republic
Pujols, 45, currently manages the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Winter League, where he led the club to the 2024–25 LIDOM championship and the 2025 Caribbean Series title. Earlier this year, he was named manager of the Dominican Republic national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which returns in March. If he accepts a Major League position, he would step away from that post.
Albert Pujols, wearing a Dominican Republic uniform, celebrates after leading his team to victory at the 2025 Caribbean Series in Mexicali, Mexico. Pujols will manage the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, becoming the first Dominican player to both compete and manage in the tournament. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
The Padres’ vacancy opened after Mike Shildt’s retirement. Pujols and Shildt share Cardinals ties, and San Diego represents familiar ground for Pujols, who spent a decade playing and later working in Southern California with the Angels and Dodgers.
Baltimore interest and offseason movement
The Baltimore Orioles have also expressed interest in Pujols, according to ESPN, though no interview has been scheduled. Orioles executive Mike Elias, who once scouted for the St. Louis Cardinals during Pujols’ prime, remains familiar with his career.
Albert Pujols is no longer an Angels managerial candidate as the two sides have ended talks, per @JonHeyman
Pujols will still interview with the Padres and Orioles, per @sdutKevinAcee pic.twitter.com/XZpAsVUYMe
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 20, 2025
This offseason has already featured heavy managerial turnover. The Angels, Padres, Orioles, Braves, Giants, Nationals, Rockies, and Twins are all seeking new leadership. San Francisco has also been linked to former Brewers manager Craig Counsell as part of the growing carousel of candidates across MLB.
Global connection continues
Manny Machado Reveals Plans to Play for Dominican Republic in 2026 World Baseball Classic
Since his retirement in 2022, Pujols has transitioned from player to leader, guiding Escogido and representing the Dominican Republic on the world stage. His faith and community work through the Pujols Family Foundation remain central to his public image — highlighted by personal moments such as baptizing the son of former teammate Plácido Polanco.
As the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches, Pujols’ next chapter continues to merge international competition with Major League opportunity.
Photo Sourcee: St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Albert Pujols, left, stands with San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado after he was presented with a surfboard from the Padres to honor his future retirement before a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
