Padres’ position improves as Albert Pujols exits Angels’ mix for manager

As a search for a new manager in San Diego is underway, a major new break just occurred for one of the Padres’ top candidates. It was announced that Albert Pujols is no longer considered a candidate for the Los Angeles Angels, and that the team will be heading in a different direction in terms of its hiring process.

Pujols, 45, was a member of the Angels from 2012 to 2021, but his prime was spent with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he became a three-time MVP winner, and a two-time World Series champion. He also became one of four players in MLB history to hit 700 career home runs.

What seemed to be the obvious choice for manager in Anaheim may not have been what we thought, as GM Perry Minasian is searching elsewhere. This was reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, who said that the two sides have “differing opinions regarding coaches, resources, and compensation.”

As it stands, Pujols serves as a special assistant to the Los Angeles Angels, where he agreed to a ten-year, $10 million contract when he retired back in 2022. So teams that choose to interview him need to be granted permission by the club in order to get the ball rolling on the hiring process.

This is a massive announcement for A.J. Preller, as it was reported by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune that the Padres would be conducting an interview with Pujols.

The Padres are set to meet with Pujols regarding the managerial vacancy on Wednesday of this week, and perhaps the two parties could agree to a deal. According to Alden Gonzalez, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. hold Pujols in “high regard,” which means that they could be key influences in Preller’s decision.  

The Baltimore Orioles are the other team remaining in the sweepstakes, but they do not have an interview scheduled yet with the former superstar.

If all goes according to plan, we may officially have a new manager in San Diego to replace Mike Shildt.