The Padres began the second round of interviews for their managerial opening on Tuesday by hosting Albert Pujols for several hours.

It is not known how many other candidates remain, though the Padres have narrowed the search to what they are considering the finalists for the job vacated when Mike Shildt retired earlier this month.

The second round of interviews is being conducted in person after candidates and team officials spoke over Zoom last week.

The Padres also interviewed bench coach Brian Esposito and pitching coach Ruben Niebla in the first round of interviews. It is not known who else has interviewed, as the Padres have prioritized secrecy in the search.

Pujols was part of MLB Network’s pregame coverage for Game 3 of the World Series on Monday and had been scheduled to be part of the coverage on Tuesday. Instead, multiple sources confirmed, he was in San Diego.

Pujols, whose 704 home runs are fourth most in major league history, has never coached or managed in the minor or major leagues. His managerial experience is limited to leading Leones de Escogido to the Dominican Winter League and Caribbean Series titles in 2025.

The Padres do covet his experience and cache with players built over a 22-year career that ended with his retirement in 2022.

12 comments

  4. I’d be willing to give him a shot this next season. Let him try to correct our abysmal offense.

  5. Im for Niebla. He has done such a tremendous job with pitchers, I’d like to see what he could do with the whole team.

  6. I just wonder if niebla has that energy. It’s just a risky situation either way but o have. Feelingwe need someone to shake some things up.

  7. Wish I had more to say so I could give a bad take then look back at this in a year and be like “wth was I thinking” but idk what to say when it comes to managers. I like it though.

  8. Okay guys, now all that’s left for him to do is sign with the Dodgers for less money as an assistant hitting coach

  9. We assume AJ is part of these candidate meetings/interviews, even if he only has 1 more contracted year to his own contract.

  10. This team has talent that’s gone anemic and he is a generational hitter. Fuck it throw him a 2 year 10 million deal

  11. I’m curious to know if Benji Gil has been interviewed. He apparently made quite the impression 2 years ago. Also… did the Orioles just not interview Pujols? Because they picked their guy pretty fast.

  12. Pujols manager, niebla bench coach, some offensive genius as associate manager, Ben Fritz pitching coach, and hire a blue jays coach for hitting.

    Bass bing bada boom we ride

Leave a Reply