Albert Pujols Emerges as Key Candidate for Orioles Manager Role

When the Baltimore Orioles began their 2025 season, few could have predicted just how quickly things would unravel. A team that had, only two years earlier, stormed to the top of the American League East with 101 wins, suddenly found itself mired in disappointment. By May, their manager Brandon Hyde was dismissed after a 15-28 start, and the club’s trajectory had shifted from hopeful contender to a franchise in search of new direction.

Now, the Orioles’ quest for a new manager has taken an intriguing turn. According to ESPN, the organization has expressed interest in future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols, a move that could signal a bold new era for Baltimore’s beloved baseball club.

At 45, Albert Pujols is no stranger to the limelight. His career—spanning over two decades, two teams, and countless accolades—has left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball. But it’s his passion for leadership that has propelled him into consideration for one of the sport’s most coveted managerial positions. The Orioles have yet to formally interview Pujols, but sources indicate that a meeting is expected soon as the club intensifies its search to replace Hyde.

Why Pujols? A Legendary Resume Meets Baltimore’s Youth

What makes Pujols stand out among a crowded field of candidates? For one, his experience and understanding of the game are unparalleled. Having played for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Angels, Pujols’s journey has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to win. It’s these qualities that the Orioles believe could help shape their emerging core—a group featuring the likes of Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, and Adley Rutschman.

There’s also history at play. Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias was a scout for the Cardinals during Pujols’s prime years, forging connections that still resonate today. Pujols remains close to former teammate Matt Holliday, whose son Jackson now anchors the Orioles’ infield. The relationships woven through baseball’s generations often play a subtle but powerful role in shaping decisions at the top.

The Competitive Field: Angels, Orioles, and More

Baltimore isn’t the only team eyeing Pujols. The Los Angeles Angels, where he spent a significant portion of his career, are widely considered the frontrunners in the race for his managerial services. Pujols recently interviewed with Angels general manager Perry Minasian, and sources say he remains highly regarded for the job. However, the hiring process in Los Angeles is complicated by ongoing legal proceedings involving team ownership.

Meanwhile, Tony Mansolino, who took over as interim manager for the Orioles after Hyde’s exit, is also a candidate for the permanent role. Yet, the club is casting a wide net, with at least eight teams—Angels, Braves, Giants, Nationals, Padres, Rockies, Twins, and Orioles—currently searching for new managers.

Pujols’s Managerial Ambitions: Beyond the MLB

Pujols’s interest in managing isn’t new. He’s been vocal about his desire to lead a big league club and has already tasted success off the field. In January, he guided the Dominican winter ball team Leones del Escogido to a championship, demonstrating his ability to motivate and strategize in high-pressure situations.

He was also recently named manager of the Dominican Republic’s team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Should he accept a big league job this offseason, he would likely step down from that role, prioritizing the chance to make his mark in Major League Baseball.

What’s Next for Baltimore?

The Orioles remain an attractive destination, thanks largely to their youthful, talented roster. Holliday, Henderson, Rutschman, Coby Mayo, and Samuel Basallo represent a new generation of Baltimore baseball—one hungry for leadership, vision, and a return to postseason glory. While the 2025 campaign ended with 87 losses, hope is far from lost.

The managerial search is a pivotal moment for the franchise. The right choice could define the next decade of Orioles baseball, and Pujols’s candidacy is a testament to the team’s ambition. Whether he’s the one to guide Baltimore forward remains to be seen, but his involvement in the process speaks volumes about both his reputation and the club’s desire for transformative leadership.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes are on Baltimore and Los Angeles, waiting to see where one of baseball’s greatest icons will land.

Albert Pujols’s candidacy for the Orioles’ managerial position highlights the intersection of experience, personal relationships, and organizational ambition. If selected, his leadership could profoundly influence Baltimore’s young core and reshape the club’s culture for years to come.