Albert Pujols Meets with Angels GM for Managerial Position

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Albert Pujols, a former slugger for the Los Angeles Angels, met with Angels general manager Perry Minasian on Thursday night to discuss the team’s vacant managerial position. Reports indicate that the meeting was positive, with both sides engaging in preliminary discussions about a potential contract.

Pujols, a three-time MVP, has emerged as the favorite for the role, especially after the club declined to extend the contract of former manager Ron Washington at the end of last month. According to sources, it is primarily up to Pujols whether he accepts the position.

In addition to Pujols, former Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is also in consideration for the managerial role, but he is seen as a backup option should discussions with Pujols not progress successfully.

One central aspect of the negotiations will involve Pujols’ existing personal services contract with the Angels, signed as part of his earlier 10-year, $240 million contract with the team. The details of how this contract would interact with a managerial deal remain unclear.

The Angels hope to announce Pujols as their new manager before the World Series, although league rules often discourage announcements during postseason play, which could delay the final decision.

Should he take the position, the Angels are also reportedly considering former Dodgers pitcher Ramon Martinez as Pujols’ preferred choice for pitching coach. Pujols has previously served as a guest instructor at Angels camp for the past three years and has expressed a strong interest in managing at the MLB level.

Last season, Pujols led the Leones Del Escogido to a championship in the Dominican Winter League and is set to manage the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

“Yeah. I think why not?” Pujols said earlier this year regarding his aspirations to manage in the big leagues. “If the opportunity is right one day, I think I’ll be ready for that,” he added, showcasing his ambition for the role.