Albert Pujols to Interview with Padres After Angels Managerial Talks Stall
San Diego, CA – Albert Pujols is set to interview for the San Diego Padres’ managerial vacancy, just days after negotiations with the Los Angeles Angels fell apart, sources confirmed. The advancement marks a notable step in Pujols’ pursuit of a big league managerial role and adds another high-profile name to the Padres’ search following the retirement of Mike Shildt.
The Padres are one of eight MLB teams currently seeking a new manager, joining the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and the Angels themselves. Pujols, 45, has long expressed a desire to manage in the majors, and his candidacy is especially intriguing to the Padres given his strong relationship with key players Manny Machado and fernando Tatis Jr.
Pujols initially interviewed with Angels General Manager Perry Minasian on October 9 in St.Louis, but talks have since ceased, as first reported by the New York Post. The Angels subsequently granted the Padres permission to speak with Pujols, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Currently serving as a special assistant to the Angels under a 10-year, $10 million contract activated upon his retirement in 2022, Pujols demonstrated managerial acumen earlier this year by leading the Leones del Escogido to a championship in Dominican winter ball.He was also named manager of the dominican Republic team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, a position he would likely relinquish should he accept a major league managerial position this offseason.
The Angels declined to exercise their 2026 option on manager Ron Washington’s contract following the conclusion of the regular season, further accelerating the search for a new leader in Anaheim. The Padres’ pursuit of Pujols signals a potential shift in direction for the organization as they seek to build upon their existing core of talent.
