Shortly after the Los Angeles Angels announced they would not be retaining Ron Washington or Ray Montgomery as managers for the 2026 season, a short list was revealed for Arte Moreno’s new skipper. That short list had exactly one name on it: MLB legend and former Angels first baseman Albert Pujols.
Pujols showed instant managerial success in the Dominican Winter League, and has already been asked to manage the Dominican Republic national team at the next World Baseball Classic. And Moreno pegged Pujols as the surefire man to lead the franchise, as he was already working with the team under his personal services contract.
But in the weeks since that rumor popped up, Moreno has slightly altered course. Pujols is still widely considered the leading candidate for the job, but the Angels, Moreno and Perry Minasian are widening the search, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic:
Albert Pujols is no longer the only contender for the Angels’ managerial opening. The team plans to interview more candidates for the position, a team source told The Athletic, changing course from their initial line of thinking. Pujols remains the favorite for the job, the source said, though owner Arte Moreno has decided he wants a more thorough process.
Angels general manager Perry Minasian will conduct any additional interviews, which are expected to include two of Minasian’s special assistants, Torii Hunter and Kurt Suzuki, both former Angels players.
The team also hopes to speak with Texas Rangers special assistant Nick Hundley, Chicago Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, ex-Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, and possibly ex-Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. It’s unclear if any of those conversations have taken place, or if there’d be mutual interest.
The Angels would be wise to do a more expansive managerial search, even if they ultimately land back on Pujols. Too often over the last decade-plus has the Angels’ process been easily criticized. And while hiring a good manager may not change the fortunes of a team with limited Major League upside and one of the worst farm systems in the sport, it’s better than rushing to a decision.
Pujols is reportedly receiving interest from other clubs like the Baltimore Orioles, which may force the Angels hand to act quickly. But the Angels doing their due diligence in hiring a manager is important, given that whoever they hire will be the team’s sixth since 2019.
