Albert Pujols: From Home Run King to Managerial Aspirations
Albert Pujols, a name synonymous with power hitting and baseball greatness, stands at a unique crossroads. After a legendary career that placed him among the game’s elite – joining Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Barry Bonds as the only players to ever eclipse 700 home runs – Pujols is embarking on a new chapter, one that could see him shatter another barrier: becoming the first 700-homer hitter to manage a major league team.
Pujols, now 45, retired after the 2022 season, leaving behind a legacy etched in record books. His 703 home runs rank him fourth all-time, and he’s one of only two players, alongside Hank Aaron, to amass 700 home runs and drive in over 2,000 runs. Furthermore, he and Ruth are the sole members of the 700 club to have also won a World Series championship.
Retirement, however, didn’t spell an exit from the game. Pujols, a lifelong student and devotee of baseball, quickly sought ways to stay involved. He served as a special assistant to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, offered his insights as an analyst for the MLB Network, and even spent time as a guest instructor for the Los Angeles Angels, honoring a commitment tied to his previous contract.
Yet, something was missing. The competitive fire, the strategic element, the direct influence over players – these facets of the game that Pujols thrived on were now relegated to the periphery.
Then came the call, or rather, the persistent calls, from Jose Miguel Bonetti, one of the owners of Leones del Escogido, a prominent team in the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League. Bonetti, understanding Pujols’ passion and leadership qualities, relentlessly pursued him to take the managerial reins. The appeal was undeniable: a short winter-ball season, a return to his wife Nicole Fernandez’s homeland, and a chance to make an impact in a league deeply connected to his roots.
Pujols relented, and the results were immediate. He guided Leones del Escogido to the playoffs, then the coveted Dominican League championship, and finally, the prestigious Caribbean Series championship. The success solidified his managerial aspirations and caught the attention of the Dominican Republic national team, who promptly tapped him to manage their star-laden squad for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, under the guidance of GM Nelson Cruz.
The prospect of leading a team boasting names like Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, Jose Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis is undeniably exciting for Pujols. However, a more significant opportunity might soon present itself. The allure of managing a major league team looms large, and Pujols is openly receptive to the possibility.
"I’m open, you know," Pujols said. "Right now, I have the responsibility with the World Baseball Classic, but if any opportunity opens up and somebody call me and wants to interview me, I will evaluate it for sure."
The support for Pujols’ managerial ambitions is widespread and emphatic. Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, who managed Pujols for 11 seasons in St. Louis, believes Pujols is destined for greatness in the dugout.
"He’s ready," La Russa said. "And he’s going to be great. You talk about integrity. You talk about his IQ. You talk about his discipline. I call him APP, Albert Perfect Pujols. When a guy has that much to offer and has so much love for the game, the game benefits when he wants to stay active and share."
Angels GM Perry Minasian echoes La Russa’s sentiments, highlighting Pujols’ commanding presence and innate leadership. "I remember the old-school managers back in the day whether it was Tom Kelly or Sparky Anderson or Tommy Lasorda or Whitey Herzog, there was a presence when they walked into the room," Minasian said. "The volume in the room would go a little lower. The shoulders of the players would go back a little more. And Albert has that presence wherever he goes."
While some might subscribe to the outdated notion that great players rarely translate into great managers, the historical record paints a different picture. Joe Torre, a nine-time All-Star and batting champion, led the New York Yankees to four World Series titles en route to the Hall of Fame. Dusty Baker, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, guided five different teams to the postseason, winning three pennants and a World Series title. Lou Piniella, another All-Star and World Series champion, led three different teams to the playoffs and secured a World Series championship.
La Russa emphasizes that the key ingredient isn’t playing prowess, but rather an unyielding passion for the game and a commitment to its nuances. "The key is not whether you’re a great player or not, but whether you have that love for the game," La Russa said. "Torre, Dusty, they love the game. And Albert loves the game. He always had the mental side commitment, and was inquisitive, always talking about the game."
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt, who has known Pujols for years, is equally confident in his managerial potential. "I truly believe he’s going to be a tremendous asset to any organization," Shildt said. "A lot about managing is caring about people, and Albert does that. He has such attention to detail. He’s very clear in his messaging, a very principled guy with a great reputation. Really, he’s almost out of central casting for a manager."
Pujols’ dedication and work ethic are legendary, a fact that Shildt witnessed firsthand. "You always observed his talent, but you appreciated the work and how this guy competed," Shildt said. "I never saw this guy give away anything in work or competition. So, when he told me last year that he was going to manage in winter ball, I knew it wasn’t some gimmick. He was going to take it seriously."
For Pujols, managing isn’t about financial gain, given his substantial career earnings. It’s about giving back to the game that has given him so much. "But at the end of the day, man, you want to give back," Pujols said.
While the path to a major league managerial role remains uncertain, Pujols possesses the qualities, experience, and unwavering passion to succeed. He understands the game’s intricacies, commands respect, and possesses an innate ability to connect with players. Should an opportunity arise, Pujols is poised to embrace the challenge and potentially redefine what it means to be a successful manager in the modern era. He awaits the call that would take him back into the dugout, ready to impart his wisdom and leadership to a new generation of players. As the game has given him so much, Pujols is more than ready to return the favor.
