Once considered the favorite to be the next manager of the Los Angeles Angels, Albert Pujols is no longer a candidate for the job, according to reporter Jon Heyman.
“Pujols was the Angels’ top choice at the start, but the sides differed on coaches, resources, and compensation,” Heyman wrote. “Parameters were discussed.”
With Pujols out of the mix, the Angels have a slew of internal candidates who could take the helm. Kurt Suzuki and Torii Hunter, both of whom hold roles in the organization’s front office, are the leading contenders, according to Heyman. Additionally, former Astros manager and current third base coach Bo Porter has publicly stated his interest in the position.
Whoever ultimately becomes the next manager of the Angels will face a significant challenge. Los Angeles has not finished above .500 since 2015 and has not won a playoff game since 2009 — the same year the team drafted Mike Trout out of high school. With Trout now entering his mid-30s and several years removed from his last All-Star season, time is running out for one of the best players of this century to make his mark in October.
The Angels are coming off a 72-90 season during which manager Ron Washington stepped away in June for health reasons and did not return. The team announced after the season that Washington will not be back for 2026.
As for Pujols, Heyman adds that he remains a candidate for managerial positions with the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Padres have reached out to Pujols and plan to interview him as they seek to replace Mike Shildt, who abruptly retired last week.
While there is no indication that the Orioles have yet contacted Pujols, if they do, the club may be able to attract him with a roster full of young talent poised to contend in the near future.
https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/los-angeles-angels/angels-news-albert-pujols-officially-out-los-angeles-manager-race