Albert Pujols Hyped as Future MLB Manager by Dusty Baker, Should Have Job 'Right Now'

One of the most respected managers in MLB history believes one of the best players in baseball history should be in a managerial role heading into the 2026 season.

"It shouldn't be someday. He should be managing right now," Dusty Baker said of Albert Pujols managing in MLB, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. 

"There are a lot of guys that are managing that don't have the experience on the field of Albert Pujols. I didn't have much (managerial) experience either. I coached for a while, and then I had experience in the fall league.

"There are a lot of guys in the game that don't have the experience that Albert Pujols has, that don't have the knowledge that Albert Pujols has or don't have the respect from the players."

The comments are all the more notable because Pujols is managing the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Baker managed Nicaragua in the same tournament.

Pujols' club is in the quarterfinals and will face Korea on Friday for the right to potentially play the United States in the semifinals, assuming the Americans defeat Canada. 

While he is best known for his accolades as a player, this is not the first time Pujols has managed. He also managed Leones del Escogido to Dominican Winter League and Caribbean Series titles.

Stavenhagen noted the legend was previously linked to managerial openings with the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles but did not land any of the jobs.

"Albert has done a great job, and he's been doing it from day one in winter ball," former St. Louis Cardinals teammate and current Puerto Rico manager Yadier Molina said. "Albert is a baseball guy. I think he's going to be in the big leagues very soon."

Whether he eventually lands a managing job or not, Pujols' resume as a player is unassailable. He was a three-time MVP, two-time World Series champion, Rookie of the Year, 11-time All-Star, six-time Silver Slugger, two-time Gold Glover and batting title winner who launched 703 home runs in his career.

Perhaps one day, he will be adding managerial accomplishments to that list.