Buckle up, baseball enthusiasts— the Los Angeles Angels' hunt for their next manager just took an unexpected detour, with superstar slugger Albert Pujols still leading the pack, but the team widening its search to explore fresh possibilities!
Albert Pujols isn't the sole candidate anymore for the Angels' vacant managerial role. As revealed by a team insider to The Athletic, the organization is set to broaden its conversations beyond Pujols, shifting away from its earlier strategy that centered heavily on him. While Pujols continues to be the preferred pick, owner Arte Moreno has opted for a more comprehensive approach to ensure the best fit for the team's future.
But here's where it gets interesting—the Angels are opening doors to additional talent, potentially stirring up debates on what makes the ideal manager. Angels general manager Perry Minasian will oversee these extra discussions, which could feature two of his dedicated aides: Torii Hunter and Kurt Suzuki, both veterans who once wore Angels uniforms and bring firsthand insight into the franchise.
The squad is also eyeing chats with Texas Rangers assistant Nick Hundley, Chicago Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, former Orioles skipper Brandon Hyde, and perhaps ex-Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. Details are murky on whether any talks have occurred or if mutual enthusiasm exists on both sides.
Pujols sat down with the Angels in St. Louis back on October 9 (check out the full scoop here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6707683/2025/10/10/albert-pujols-angels-manager-discussion/), and sources indicate the encounter went smoothly. It's anyone's guess if a minor hiccup arose or if Moreno simply reevaluated the hiring roadmap for greater depth. This extended timeline might stretch into late October or just beyond the World Series finale.
And this is the part most people miss—Pujols' personal services deal could be a game-changer. Back in 2012, Pujols inked a blockbuster 10-year, $240 million contract with the Angels, which included a separate 10-year, $10 million post-retirement agreement. He dedicated a decade in Anaheim before parting ways in May 2021. The team still owes him $7 million spread over the next seven years. In essence, this clause grants the Angels some bargaining power over other suitors; they can't block Pujols from coaching elsewhere, but they might avoid paying out that sum. Conversely, it's uncertain whether the Angels would incorporate that $7 million into any managerial offer to him. For newcomers to baseball contracts, a personal services deal is like a bonus perk ensuring income after active play, often tying into promotional or advisory roles—think of it as a safety net for legends like Pujols.
Reassuringly, the source confirms this contract isn't driving the decision to interview more contenders; it's all about finding the right leader.
Meanwhile, Pujols is reportedly catching the eye of other teams. The Baltimore Orioles, per ESPN's reporting (read more at https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46608255/baltimore-orioles-interested-albert-pujols-manager), are gearing up to chat with the soon-to-be Hall of Famer about their own managerial vacancy.
Pujols kicked off his coaching journey impressively, guiding Leones del Escogido to a championship in his inaugural Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) season. He's also slated to helm the Dominican Republic squad in next spring's World Baseball Classic, though landing an MLB managerial gig could force adjustments to those commitments—perhaps shortening his international role or balancing schedules creatively.
This expansion of the search begs the question: Is Pujols' star power the ultimate trump card, or could a fresh voice bring new energy to the Angels? What do you think about factoring in personal contracts during hirings—fair play or unnecessary complication? Drop your hot takes in the comments and let's debate!
Oct 16, 2025
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