The hottest rumor on the managerial carousel is that Albert Pujols will be managing a major league team in 2026. Some of the franchises linked to him have gone in another direction, while one has him at the top
of their list.
The Los Angeles Angels, who were thought to be his top suitor, instead hired Kurt Suzuki as their new manager. The Baltimore Orioles spoke with Pujols, but chose Craig Albernaz as their new skipper. Multiple media reports confirm the San Diego Padres have met with him about their open managerial position.
The franchise had some recent success, but Pujols would become the sixth manager hired by Padres President of Baseball Operations and GM A.J. Preller. It would be a conventional hire in today’s MLB.
Experience is not a requirement to be a manager
It seems experience is no longer a top priority when hiring a baseball manager. In 2025, the vast majority of MLB skippers entered their jobs with no managerial experience. A number of those first-timers did have some coaching experience before being promoted to the position. Craig Counsell and Terry Francona were the only managers with prior experience.
The concern is legitimate because the Padres are interested in hiring someone who has limited managerial experience, as Pujols led Leones de Escogido to a Dominican Winter League title last January. Off that success, he has been selected to manage the Dominican Republic team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. But that is his entire resume.
Pujols knows how to unite a clubhouse
Being a former clubhouse leader, Pujols knows how to handle the media scrutiny that comes with him accepting the managerial post with the Padres. He comes to expect tough questions in postgame press conferences, as the media will dissect every in-game decision.
The three-time MVP rarely rests on his laurels. Instead, he loved talking to the young players about how to navigate the rigors of playing in the majors. Pujols understands the physical, emotional, and mental toll the game puts on them. He wants to teach how to cope with the struggles because it is part of the growth as a major league player.
It is not easy to stay motivated and play a 162-game schedule at an elite level each night. Pujols is known for building a rapport with his teammates, as that trait will work well for him as a manager. Maintaining an open line of communication fosters trust and a positive environment within the locker room. This type of guidance can help the Friars get through a rough stretch of the season.
Unknown factors: Analytics and a pitching staff
Pujols offers a fresh perspective on the analytics that run rampant in today’s game. He can analyze the data and present useful information to the players in pregame meetings. His knowledge will help to balance the demands from the front office and satisfy his players’ expectations when filling out a lineup card.
Handling a pitching staff could be a challenge for Pujols. Having Friars pitching coach Ruben Niebla by his side will help to learn when a pitching change is appropriate. However, do not be surprised if he has several conversations with the entire staff in Spring Training. It will give Pujols a better understanding of how to use them in games.
Hiring the right manager could be the biggest hurdle for the Padres this offseason. What direction they will be heading is not known.
But Albert Pujols is a different managerial candidate.
