Former Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols will interview Thursday for the Houston Astros’ managerial vacancy, according to ESPN sources.
Pujols is traveling to Houston for his first in-person interview with the organization. Astros general manager Randy Flores, named to the role five days ago, was Pujols’ teammate for five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, including their 2006 World Series championship season.
TOP NEWS
Pujols retired after the 2022 season and has pursued managing since. He led Leones del Escogido to a Dominican Winter League title in January 2025 and managed the Dominican Republic national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where the team lost to the United States in the semifinals.
During MLB’s last managerial hiring cycle, Pujols was a finalist for openings with the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres before those clubs hired Kurt Suzuki and Craig Stammen as rookie managers, respectively. New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus is also under consideration, per ESPN sources.
Pujols remains under a 10-year, $10 million personal-services contract with the Angels, now in its fifth year. A buyout could be negotiated if the Astros select him. Pujols, 46, is eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2028.
Photo: Lance Cpl. Perri Wood / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
More: MLB · Houston Astros
