Albert Pujols has set his sights on a managerial career in baseball, aiming to transition from player to full-time manager. This March, he will lead the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic, marking a significant opportunity following his recent success as a manager in the Dominican winter league.
Last winter, Pujols guided the Escogido team to a championship victory, further solidifying his passion for the game. “Baseball is my passion,” he expressed. “I love to teach and be around the guys.” His enthusiasm for mentoring young players has drawn attention from Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, leading him to interview for managerial positions with the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, and San Diego Padres this offseason.
Pujols Reflects on Learning Experience
While Pujols did not secure a managerial role during these interviews, he regarded the experience as invaluable. “I enjoyed it,” he said. “(Teams) wanted to learn more about me, and they told me how prepared I was, which made me feel good.” Over the course of 19 hours of interviews conducted both in person and via Zoom, Pujols gained insight into the franchises’ ambitions and challenges.
His career, which spanned 22 seasons from 2001 to 2022, saw him achieve remarkable milestones, including hitting 703 home runs, ranking fourth in MLB history. Pujols also amassed 2,218 RBIs, second only to Hank Aaron, and recorded 3,384 hits, placing him tenth all-time. Despite these accomplishments, Pujols has long been intrigued by the managerial side of the sport, influenced by several successful managers he played under, including Hall of Famer Tony La Russa.
Looking Ahead in Baseball and Beyond
Pujols’ experience managing in winter ball has intensified his desire to lead. He highlighted the importance of planning for his future while still actively playing. “I was always that player who was looking to the day I retire and thinking about what my next job would be,” he shared. After taking time off from the game, he now feels ready to embrace a managerial role.
Beyond baseball, Pujols is channeling his competitive spirit into golf. Next week, he will participate in the celebrity portion of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, which inaugurates the LPGA’s 2026 tour at the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando. Pujols compared the challenges of hitting a baseball to those of golfing, stating, “I think a lot of people would say hitting a baseball is a lot harder than hitting a golf ball. I would say the opposite. Hitting a golf ball, to me, just sitting there, is tough.”
As Pujols prepares for his upcoming role in the World Baseball Classic and continues to explore managerial opportunities, his journey reflects both a commitment to the sport and a readiness to inspire the next generation of players.
