Future Hall of Fame slugger Albert Pujols could return to the MLB in a new role next season.
Pujols, 45, only played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers during his MLB career. From 2001-2022, the 11-time All-Star and three-time National League MVP had a .296 batting average with 703 home runs and 2,218 RBI. Not only was he incredible at the plate, he was a two-time Gold Glove winner.
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After retiring from the MLB, Pujols became the manager of the Leones del Escogido, a team in the Dominican Professional Baseball League. They won the Serie Final during the 2024-25 season.
ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 06: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 6, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Pujols returning to his old club?
On Sept. 30, the Angels decided they won’t pick up. manager Ron Washington’s option for the 2026 season. That means they’ll need a new leader in the clubhouse.
Pujols has emerged as a candidate for the Angels, according to USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale.
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“Albert Pujols, Torii Hunter and Michael Young loom as potential candidates to become the next Angels manager,” Nightengale said. “Pujols, who wants to manage, is already on the payroll, being paid $1 million annually in his 10-year personal services contract.”
The thought of Pujols returning to Los Angeles to manage the Angels is very intriguing, but there’s no guarantee he’ll get the job.
Make no mistake though, MLB fans are hoping Pujols returns to the spotlight.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.