Imagine a baseball legend like Albert Pujols swapping his bat for a lineup card – the ultimate career pivot that's got fans buzzing! But here's where it gets intriguing: it's not just one team chasing his managerial expertise. According to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez and Jeff Passan, the Baltimore Orioles are set to interview Pujols for their vacant manager position. This comes hot on the heels of reports that Pujols is nearing a deal with the Los Angeles Angels, making the race for his services a real nail-biter in the baseball world.
To give you some context, Pujols, a Hall of Fame first baseman whose stats you can check out on Baseball-Reference, is exploring his first role in affiliated baseball management. He's no stranger to leadership, though – last offseason, he guided the Leones del Escogido in Dominican winter ball, and he's even slated to manage the Dominican Republic team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Of course, landing an MLB gig would likely shift those plans.
And this is the part most people miss – the Orioles aren't just any team scrambling for a new skipper. They parted ways with Brandon Hyde back in May after a rocky 15-28 start to the season. (For beginners, a "skipper" is just another term for the manager, the person who calls the shots from the dugout.) Tony Mansolino stepped in as interim manager and kept the seat warm, and he's still a candidate for the full-time role. Under Mansolino, the Orioles turned things around, finishing with a 60-59 record despite high expectations after two straight postseason berths.
Hyde, by the way, had been a transformative figure for Baltimore. He lifted the team from the depths of the American League basement to become a real contender in the tough NL East. In 2023, he even snagged AL Manager of the Year honors after delivering the club's first division title since 2014. So why the change? That poor start highlighted some cracks, but it doesn't erase his past success.
Despite 2025's disappointments, the Orioles' future looks promising, packed with exciting young talent that's easy to get hyped about. Names like Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Adley Rutschman, and Jordan Westburg are already making waves as proven contributors. Then there are the up-and-comers: Colton Cowser, Samuel Basallo, and Coby Mayo, who've shown glimpses of stardom in their limited time on the field. For example, Henderson's versatile play and Rutschman's elite catching skills could be the backbone of a winning team for years.
The pitching staff? Well, it's a bit of a wildcard. Trevor Rogers emerged as a top starter, shining like a true ace, while Kyle Bradish has flashed serious potential when he's stayed healthy. But with question marks in the rotation, the Orioles might need to bolster that area. On the bright side, their payroll flexibility is enviable – FanGraphs' RosterResource estimates it'll hover around $81 million for 2026, roughly half of what they spent this year. That means they can dip into free agency to address weaknesses, perhaps adding a veteran arm or two to stabilize things.
Adding to the appeal for Pujols, Baltimore has some personal ties to his past. Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias scouted for the Cardinals during Pujols' playing days, and Pujols remains tight with former teammate Matt Holliday, whose son, Jackson, is a key infielder for the Orioles. These connections could make Baltimore feel like a natural fit.
Speaking of fits, Pujols seems poised to land with the Angels, where he's been the frontrunner since early October. Reports suggest he's edging closer to that deal, though no official offer has surfaced yet. But with the Orioles throwing their hat in the ring, things could swing either way.
Here's where it gets controversial – is Pujols, a player known for his consistency and clutch performances, ready to manage in the majors? Some fans argue his lack of MLB coaching experience makes him a risky choice, potentially preferring a seasoned dugout veteran like Mansolino. Others, though, believe his legendary status and recent winter ball stint prove he's got the leadership chops. What do you think? Should Pujols aim for the Angels, where he might feel more at home, or embrace the challenge in Baltimore with its young roster? Is this a smart move for his career, or could it backfire? Drop your opinions in the comments – I'd love to hear if you're team Pujols or if you see red flags!
