Albert Pujols, a retired baseball slugger, has been on a quest to manage a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. His journey has seen several twists, including interviews with both the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres last fall. However, instead of leading these teams, he took on the role of managing the Dominican Republic team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which ended up losing to the United States, the tournament’s eventual runner-up.
Apart from his involvement in international tournaments, Pujols has also become the president of baseball operations for Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Winter League. In 2025, during his first year as a professional manager, he led Leones del Escogido to victory in the league championship. All these achievements underline his potential as an MLB manager.
Recently, the opportunity to manage an MLB team has emerged once more, with the New York Mets firing manager Carlos Mendoza due to a disappointing season. Reports from John Harper of the New York Daily News suggest that Pujols expressed interest in the position, having a strong relationship with Mets star Juan Soto. Andy Green has taken the interim role, but there’s time for Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns to find a permanent manager.
Pujols, now 46, appears as a suitable candidate for the Mets’ managerial position. Unlike the situation in Anaheim and San Diego, New York presents a more fitting environment for Pujols. Mike Cameron, a former MLB outfielder, voiced concerns that hiring Pujols in San Diego could cause distractions for a team in need of a low-profile manager with experience. Furthermore, the Padres were dealing with an uncertain ownership situation.
In New York, however, high expectations are backed by substantial financial support from owner Steve Cohen. Soto’s $765 million contract underscores the team’s ambition. Eric Chavez, a former coach, emphasized that with stars like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, a strong personality is necessary to lead.
Pujols was the first candidate to interview for the Angels’ managerial post after the team declined Ron Washington’s option for 2026. The main issue seemed to be the contract length, with Kurt Suzuki accepting a one-year deal from the Angels, a precarious stance for a rookie manager.
Passing on the Angels’ offer seemed prudent, given the team’s last-place standing in the American League West. While the Mets also find themselves at the bottom of their division, they possess the talent and financial means needed for a turnaround.
Eric Chavez expressed surprise that Carlos Beltran wasn’t given the interim manager role. Beltran, a former Mets manager, lost his position due to involvement in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Although now a special assistant to Stearns, Beltran’s familiarity with the Mets organization and similar credentials to Pujols could be advantageous.
Pujols’ outside perspective and managerial successes in the Dominican Republic could be beneficial for the Mets. His extensive experience might enable Pujols to rejuvenate a team burdened with heightened expectations. With nowhere else to go, the Mets could greatly benefit from Pujols’ leadership.