MLB icon Albert Pujols is a man who has spent his life smashing baseballs into orbit and now wants to take his talents to the dugout. We’re not just talking about any former slugger looking for a new gig.
Pujols is a living legend, one of only four players ever to hit 700 home runs, and a guy who played the game with the kind of intensity that made pitchers lose sleep. And now? He’s setting his sights on becoming the first member of the 700 Home Run Club to manage a Major League Baseball team.
Let that sink in for a second. Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds—none of them ever managed a big-league club. But Pujols is dead serious about it.
The Road to the Dugout
Pujols could have done anything after wrapping up a 22-year career in 2022. He dabbled in broadcasting with MLB Network, took on a role as a special assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred, and even served as a guest instructor for the Angels. But when the Leones del Escogido, a team in the Dominican Winter League, came calling—again—Pujols finally said yes.
The result was not just a playoff run. He led them to the league title and the Caribbean Series championship. That’s not beginner’s luck. That’s a guy who knows how to win and how to get players to buy in.
His success didn’t go unnoticed. The Dominican Republic’s national team has already tapped him to manage in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. But here’s the kicker—there’s a good chance he might be too busy running a Major League team by then.
The Support System
Listen to the people who know him best if you need any more proof that Pujols is ready for the job. Tony La Russa, the Hall of Fame manager who guided Pujols for 11 seasons in St. Louis, calls him APP—Albert Perfect Pujols. That’s high praise from a guy who’s seen just about everything in this game.
Angels GM Perry Minasian compares Pujols’ presence to legendary managers like Tommy Lasorda and Sparky Anderson. He’s one of the guys who could walk into a room and instantly command respect.
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt, who has known Pujols since 2005, put it best: “A lot about managing is caring about people, and Albert does that. He has such attention to detail. He’s very clear in his messaging, a very principled guy with a great reputation.”
Translation? Pujols isn’t just a baseball mind—he’s a leader, a communicator, and someone players will want to play for.
What’s Next For Albert Pujols?
Pujols knows this isn’t an easy path. There have been plenty of great players who struggled as managers. But there are also guys like Joe Torre and Dusty Baker. They are all former All-Stars who became Hall of Fame-caliber skippers. And let’s be real, Pujols was never just another great player. He was a game student, someone obsessed over the details.
He’s made it clear he doesn’t need this job as he’s made his $350 million, and is a lock for Cooperstown in 2028. He’s got a family and a life beyond baseball. But that’s exactly why he should be a manager. He’s doing this because he loves the game and wants to give back.
Will a team take a chance on him? That’s the million-dollar question. But the answer is already clear if you ask the people who know him best.
Albert Pujols is ready. Now, it’s just a matter of which team is smart enough to hand him the keys.
