Albert Pujols to Interview for Astros' Manager Job, Latest MLB Rumors on Search

The Houston Astros will interview Albert Pujols as part of their managerial search, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

The New York Post's Jon Heyman provided more detail during a Bleacher Report stream:

Pujols is one of the greatest hitters of his generation. He was an 11-time All-Star and three-time National League MVP.

The 46-year-old managed the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic earlier this year. The country reached the semifinals and earned a bronze medal.

Pujols generated interest during the 2025-26 hiring cycle, and he advanced deep into the process with the San Diego Padres before they opted for Craig Stammen.

Rome noted Pujols already has a connection to the Astros' recently hired general manager Randy Flores. They were teammates for five seasons in St. Louis.

Daikin Park is familiar territory for the retired slugger as well. He played more games against the Astros than any other team, having twice shared a division with them.

Houston ultimately advanced, but Pujols dealt closer Brad Lidge a psychic blow with his home run in Game 5 of the 2005 NLCS.

There would be some irony in him sitting in the Astros dugout after being a thorn in the franchise's side for so long.

Former catcher Brad Ausmus is reportedly on their radar in the manager search, and Rome reported Texas Rangers bench coach Luis Urueta will interview.

Ausmus and Urueta have far more coaching experience than Pujols, which could give them an edge. Ausmus in particular "will be buoyed by his longtime friendship with Jeff Bagwell" in the words of Rome.

A lot of fans would probably welcome the hiring of somebody from outside Bagwell's orbit, and Pujols fits that label. The fact he's largely unproven as a manager would present some risk, though.