Astros interviewing Albert Pujols for manager job in Houston
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols is set to interview for the Houston Astros' managerial vacancy this week, joining candidates like New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus, according to a source.
- Since retiring after the 2022 season, Pujols has expressed a strong desire to manage, having led the Dominican Republic to third place in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and won the 2025 Caribbean Series with Leones del Escogido.
- If hired, Pujols would reunite with Astros GM Randy Flores, his former St. Louis Cardinals teammate, and become the first 700-homer hitter to manage in Major League Baseball.
- Pujols is still under a personal services contract with the Los Angeles Angels but is eager to transition into managing, citing his extensive playing experience and leadership skills as key assets.
- The Astros are one of two MLB teams with a managerial vacancy, and Flores has indicated a desire for a swift hiring decision while respecting league tampering rules.
