MLB Insider Floats Albert Pujols as Potential Angels Manager If Ron Washington Exits

Given Ron Washington's uncertain future in MLB, the Los Angeles Angels could opt for an outside-the-box move if they need to find a new manager this offseason.

ESPN's Buster Olney floated the idea of the Angels hiring Albert Pujols given his connection to the organization, though he also pointed out Pujols' tenure with Los Angeles didn't end well.

It would make sense for Angels owner Arte Moreno to try something that would generate headlines.

One rival executive floated to Olney the idea of Moreno being "more apt" to bring back Mike Scioscia instead of going with "some unknown" as manager.

If you look at the Angels managers since Scioscia stepped down after the 2018 season, they have had Brad Ausmus, Joe Maddon, Phil Nevin and now Washington.

Ausmus and Nevin were All-Stars during their playing careers. Maddon was credited with turning around the Tampa Bay Rays during his nine seasons with them before winning a World Series title with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.

Washington hasn't managed a game since June 19 due to health issues. He later revealed that he underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery and would miss the remainder of this season, but the 73-year-old hopes to be back in 2026.

Pujols, who retired as a player after the 2022 season, said in March when he was named manager of the Dominican Republic team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic that he wants to move into managing an MLB club when the opportunity presents itself.

"If there's something knocking this year or next year. I mean, why not? I think right now I'm focusing on the World Baseball Classic, but if there's any ballclub knocking on the door, I'd be open to hear that," Pujols said.

There could be an interesting dilemma for the organization Pujols is primarily associated with because both he and Yadier Molina have been connected to the St. Louis Cardinals if Oli Marmol isn't brought back.

Pujols was released by the Angels in May 2021 in the midst of the final season of his 10-year, $240 million contract. The move came amid rumors of some tension with Maddon because Pujols didn't want to come off the bench, but the Angels had Shohei Ohtani locked in at DH and wanted to give Jared Walsh regular playing time at first base.

Since Maddon is no longer with the organization, it's plausible that any past tension might not exist at this point.

The Angels (68-77) are on track to post their 10th consecutive losing season. They will also likely miss the playoffs for the 11th straight year and 15th time in 16 seasons dating back to 2010.

Pujols played 10 seasons with the Angels from 2012 to '21. He hit .256/.311/.447 with 222 homers and made one All-Star team during his tenure with the club.