Imagine the legendary Albert Pujols, a Hall of Famer who changed the game as a hitter, stepping into the dugout to call the shots as a manager—it's a shift that could rewrite baseball history! But here's where it gets really intriguing: Pujols isn't just flirting with one team; multiple franchises are knocking on his door, and the Baltimore Orioles are now joining the chase for his expertise in their managerial vacancy.
Sure, the Los Angeles Angels have been the frontrunners in this race, with rumors swirling that Pujols was on the verge of sealing a deal with them. Yet, as reported by ESPN's Alden Gonzalez and Jeff Passan, the Orioles are gearing up to bring him in for an interview, adding fresh excitement to the offseason buzz. This comes hot on the heels of reports about Pujols nearing an agreement with the Angels, where he was seen as the top pick back in early October. Still, no formal offer has surfaced from LA, and analysts suggest it's still his most probable destination.
Let's rewind to why Baltimore is even in the market for a new skipper. The team parted ways with Brandon Hyde in May after a rocky start to the season, posting a disappointing 15-28 record. Coming off two straight playoff berths, expectations were sky-high, but things unraveled, leaving fans and management frustrated. Interim manager Tony Mansolino stepped in and steadied the ship, guiding the Orioles to a 60-59 finish. Now, Mansolino is still under consideration for the permanent role, but Pujols' potential entry shakes things up.
Digging deeper, Hyde's tenure wasn't all bad—he'd lifted the Orioles from the depths of the American League basement to division contenders in the tough NL East. In fact, he snagged AL Manager of the Year honors in 2023 for clinching their first division crown since 2014. And this is the part most people miss: despite the rough 2025 campaign, Baltimore's future looks bright, loaded with emerging stars ready to shine.
Take a closer look at their roster—it's brimming with promising young talent that could turn heads for years. Players like shortstop Gunnar Henderson, infielder Jackson Holliday, catcher Adley Rutschman, and second baseman Jordan Westburg are already proving their mettle in the big leagues. Even rookies such as outfielder Colton Cowser, catcher Samuel Basallo, and third baseman Coby Mayo have dazzled in their brief appearances, showcasing glimpses of the brilliance to come. On the mound, it's a bit of a wildcard, but Trevor Rogers emerged as a dominant ace last year, while Kyle Bradish hints at huge potential when he's firing on all cylinders. Plus, with a projected payroll of around $81 million for 2026—roughly half of their 2025 spending, according to FanGraphs' RosterResource tool—the Orioles have plenty of room to bolster their squad through free agency. This financial flexibility could be the secret weapon to transform this group into a powerhouse.
What makes Baltimore especially appealing for Pujols? Well, there are some personal ties that might tug at his heart. Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias once scouted for the St. Louis Cardinals during Pujols' playing career, forging a connection that could ease the transition. And Pujols remains tight with former Cardinals teammate Matt Holliday, whose son, Jackson Holliday, plays for the Orioles—a family link that adds a layer of familiarity.
If Pujols lands this gig, it'll mark his debut in managing an affiliated baseball team. He dipped his toes in the water last offseason by leading the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican winter league, gaining valuable experience. He's also slated to helm the Dominican Republic's squad in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, though snagging a major-league job would likely shift those plans.
But here's where opinions might clash: Is Pujols, with his storied hitting career, truly ready to manage a modern MLB team? Some argue his lack of big-league coaching experience could be a hurdle, while others say his Hall of Fame pedigree and leadership qualities make him a perfect fit for rebuilding a talented young squad like the Orioles. Could this be a bold move that pays off, or is it a risky gamble? And this is the part that sparks debate: Would Pujols' hiring challenge the status quo, proving that star players can transition smoothly to management, or might it highlight the need for more traditional coaching backgrounds in the dugout? What do you think—should Pujols take the Orioles' hot seat, or stick with the Angels? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear your take on this potential game-changer!
