Albert Pujols appears to be closer than ever to managing the Cardinals.
In the near future, the St. Louis Cardinals’ best hitter in a generation could be ready to take over as manager. Albert Pujols, who led the Leones del Escogido team to a Dominican Winter League championship in January, was recently named the Dominican Republic’s manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. For Pujols, who appears to be baseball’s next hot commodity on the managing market, it’s another step forward.
Teams are undoubtedly salivating at the prospect of the future Hall of Famer leading their lineup after Pujols recently stated that he would love to be a manager in the major leagues as soon as this year if the chance comes. Because of their innate skill, which makes the game more instinctive to them and requires less analysis, most players who achieve great success on the diamond never go on to become managers. However, Pujols has the opportunity to defy this trend, as his ability to mentor players and establish a connection with them has earned him rave reviews from former teammates.
Albert Pujols is too obvious to be the Cardinals’ next manager.
It’s not only that Pujols spent his prime years in St. Louis that puts the Cardinals in a unique position to benefit from his talents. Current manager Oli Marmol may not have much time left as the team’s captain because the Cardinals are going through a transitional phase and Chaim Bloom is ready to take over the organization’s management in 2026 following John Mozeliak’s retirement. Bloom would probably want to add new players to the team, and even if he doesn’t have a direct relationship with Pujols, there is another reason why the Cardinals could want to approach the renowned first baseman.
The ownership of the Cardinals is trying to get fans to the ballpark with freebies throughout the season since they anticipate a drop in ticket sales in 2025 and maybe into 2026. However, appointing No. 5 to lead the youthful squad would be more beneficial than any promotional event. The Cardinals have been under fire in recent seasons for appealing to nostalgia, but this would be a huge step that would have a much bigger impact than anything the team has ever done to attempt to attract supporters.
Yadier Molina, another former Cardinals player, has also stated that he hopes to manage at some time, and the Cardinals may give him a chance to do so. But the Cardinals are probably still bitter over Molina’s absence from Spring Training in 2024. Additionally, Molina has historically not been cordial with the media while addressing questions, which managers must do after every game. Pujols, though also somewhat adverse to the media in his playing days, says he had no difficulties with it when managing in the Dominincan Republic.
Pujols has a 10-year personal services deal with the Los Angeles A’s right now.
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