Albert Pujols in the Orioles’ Sights: New Manager in Baltimore?
The Baltimore Orioles, in search of a new manager to guide their young and promising team, have shown interest in the legendary first baseman Albert Pujols, according to sources close to the team.
Although formal interviews have not yet been conducted, the Orioles are expected to contact Pujols in their search for a replacement for Brandon Hyde, who was fired during the 2025 season, marked by a disappointing performance.
Tony Mansolino, who took over on an interim basis after Hyde’s departure in May, is among the candidates for the permanent position. However, the Orioles are also considering external options.
Mike Elias, Orioles’ president of baseball operations, coincided with Pujols when he was a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals, the team where Pujols shined in the 2000s. Pujols, 45, maintains a close relationship with Matt Holliday, former teammate and father of Jackson Holliday, the young 21-year-old infielder who is currently a key piece for the Orioles.
Los Angeles Angels seem to be the most likely destination for Pujols, being the only team with which he has had a formal interview. Pujols met with Angels general manager Perry Minasian in St. Louis, and he remains a strong candidate for the position, although former All-Star outfielder Torii Hunter is also under consideration.
The Angels’ hiring process could be affected by the involvement of owner Arte Moreno and president John Carpino in the civil trial over the death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs.
The Orioles, after a period of aggressive rebuilding, achieved a successful season in 2023, winning 101 games and the American League title. Although they returned to the playoffs in 2024, they were eliminated in the wild card round and were not aggressive in pursuing starting pitchers during the following offseason. Hyde’s firing on May 17th was the result of a season start with a 15-28 record.
Despite an irregular season, the Orioles remain an attractive destination thanks to their talented group of young players, including Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Coby Mayo, and Samuel Basallo.
Currently, the Orioles are one of eight teams with managerial vacancies, along with the Angels, the Atlanta Braves, the San Francisco Giants, the Washington Nationals, the San Diego Padres, the Colorado Rockies, and the Minnesota Twins.
Pujols has expressed his interest in managing in the Major Leagues for years and led the Leones del Escogido, a Dominican winter baseball team, to a championship in January. In addition, he was named manager of the Dominican Republic for next year’s World Baseball Classic, although he would likely resign from that role if he gets a job in the Major Leagues this offseason.
