Albert Pujols, Padres Reportedly Met for 9.5 Hours in 2nd Interview for Manager Job

The San Diego Padres are reportedly doing their due diligence on Albert Pujols as they look for their next manager.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Wednesday that the National League West team conducted a second interview with Pujols. What's more, that second interview lasted 9.5 hours.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Pujols was scheduled to be part of MLB Network's coverage of Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday but was instead in San Diego for the second round of interviews, which happened in person after the first round was conducted on Zoom.

Acce noted bench coach Brian Esposito and pitching coach Ruben Niebla were part of the first round of interviews, but additional details remain scarce since "the Padres have prioritized secrecy in the search."

While Pujols is a headline name from his legendary playing career, hiring him as the manager would be quite the move since he does not have coaching experience in the minor or major leagues.

He does have some managerial experience, though, considering he led Leones de Escogido to the Dominican Winter League and Caribbean Series titles in 2025.

The Padres need a new manager after Mike Shildt retired following their playoff loss to the Chicago Cubs. He managed San Diego for two seasons and made the playoffs both years but never advanced past the Division Series.

Pujols would be a headline hire after his 22-year playing career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was best known for his dominance on the Cardinals and returned to the team for his final season in 2022.

His resume includes two World Series titles, three league MVPs, a Rookie of the Year, a batting title, six Silver Sluggers, two Gold Gloves and 11 All-Star selections. His 703 home runs rank fourth in MLB history behind only Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth.