Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the managerial carousel just got a whole lot more intriguing! Albert Pujols, the legendary Hall of Fame first baseman, is reportedly in the running for not one, but two coveted managerial positions. While the Los Angeles Angels have been the frontrunners in this pursuit, a new contender has emerged: the Baltimore Orioles. According to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez and Jeff Passan, the Orioles are set to interview Pujols for their managerial opening, adding a fascinating twist to this offseason's narrative.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Pujols, despite his unparalleled playing career, truly ready to step into a major league managerial role? He managed the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League last offseason and is slated to lead the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, but the jump to MLB is a significant one. Does his lack of experience in affiliated ball make him a risky choice, or is his baseball IQ and leadership enough to overcome that hurdle?
The Orioles' interest in Pujols comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. After firing Brandon Hyde in May following a disappointing 15-28 start, the team rallied under interim manager Tony Mansolino, finishing the season at 60-59. Hyde, who led the Orioles to their first division title since 2014 and earned AL Manager of the Year honors in 2023, had transformed the team from an American League cellar-dweller to a contender in the tough NL East. Yet, the 2025 season fell short of expectations, leaving the Orioles at a crossroads.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite their struggles, the Orioles boast one of the most exciting young cores in baseball. Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Adley Rutschman, and Jordan Westburg are just the tip of the iceberg. Players like Colton Cowser, Samuel Basallo, and Coby Mayo have shown promise in limited action, while the pitching staff, though a question mark, features breakout ace Trevor Rogers and the talented Kyle Bradish. With a projected 2026 payroll of around $81 million—half of what they spent in 2025—the Orioles have the financial flexibility to make impactful moves in free agency.
What makes Baltimore an even more intriguing destination for Pujols? St. Louis connections. Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias was a Cardinals scout during Pujols' playing days, and Pujols remains close with former teammate Matt Holliday, father of Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday. Could these relationships tip the scales in Baltimore's favor?
As the Angels remain the most likely landing spot for Pujols, according to Gonzalez and Passan, the Orioles' interest adds an unexpected layer of competition. But the bigger question lingers: Is Pujols the right fit for either team, or is this a case of a legendary player being handed the reins too soon? Weigh in below—do you think Pujols has what it takes to succeed as a major league manager, or is this a gamble neither team should take?
