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In recent weeks, the name Albert Pujols has refused to die in Anaheim. Many see him taking over as manager of the club he played for for about a decade.
According to Ken Rosenthal, Pujols is Angels owner Arte Moreno's favorite to take the job. According to one source, it would even be up to Pujols to decide whether or not he feels ready.
https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1973435567322046779
We don't know what GM Perry Minasian thinks of all this. But he's a year away from the end of his contract, and in any case, we know that the Angels owner takes up a lot of space in the organization.
And since he loves stars and holds Pujols in high esteem, it makes sense. The reputation of Pujols, who chose the Angels as a free agent back in the day, is excellent around the league.
What you need to know is that even if Pujols didn't make his mark in the minors or as a bench coach, he still managed in a few places, including winter leagues.
And if he doesn't get the job in Anaheim, he'll be managing the Dominicans at the 2026 World Classic.
But if not, remember that he wouldn't be managing the Dodgers or a big club: he'd be going to a club that isn't close to winning. He'd have plenty of time to learn on the job.
Would he be any good? The Angels would have time to find out. But on paper, I like the bet.
Let's remember that Pujols has been working for the Angels (and on TV) since he retired. He had signed a “personal services” contract for 10 years at $1 million a year for his retirement. He's been working with young prospects (notably in the Dominican Republic) and Major League guys since 2023.
The contract was signed in 2012, at the same time as his real $240 million player contract.
In short, even though Pujols was once DFA'd by the Angels because he had slowed down offensively, he's still well liked in the Angels' offices. That explains today's rumor.
In recent years, Albert Pujols has consulted Tony La Russa, his first manager in the majors in St. Louis, to help him prepare for such a mandate one day.
It would be special to see Pujols manage before Yadier Molina… but the Cardinals chose to keep Oliver Marmol.
I wonder if (Pujols' presence) would be a selling point to attract free agents to Anaheim. I have a feeling that some players with offensive talent would see the opportunity to improve under Pujols.
One also wonders what the connection would be between Pujols and Mike Trout, who spent many years together. I have a feeling that Trout would play an important role under his former teammate.
Pujols is one of only four players in history with 700 home runs in the majors. He was mostly associated with the Cardinals, where he was the most feared hitter in the Majors for several years.
- Vladdy wants to win.
“I want to be like Joe Carter. I want to win.” -#Bluejays Vlad Guerrero Jr.
– Rob Longley (@longleysunsport) October 1, 2025
- Trey Yesavage will be there in the playoffs.
Ross Atkins says that expects Trey Yesavage to be “part of us preventing runs” in the postseason.
That means pitching. #BlueJays
– Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) October 1, 2025
- Jose Berrios isn't necessarily getting any better. He hasn't started pitching again.
Follow-up for Jose Berrios showed no structural damage in elbow, but he won't be a factor in ALDS as he's still not throwing. Possible he's ready later in the playoffs.
Chris Bassitt, meanwhile, progressing well and should be available for ALDS.
– Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) October 1, 2025
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