The Angels aren’t the only team in the running for Albert Pujols‘ management services. ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez and Jeff Passan reported that the Orioles are expected to interview Pujols for their opener. Baltimore fired Brandon Hyde in May of last season. Tony Mansolino took over on an interim basis and he remains in the mix for the full-time gig.
The ESPN story comes less than a week after Pujols moved closer to the job in Los Angeles. The Hall of Fame first baseman was considered the favorite for the job in early October, and subsequent articles supported that notion, although there were no reports of an official offer from the Angels. Gonzalez and Passan noted that Los Angeles remains the most likely landing spot for Pujols.
Baltimore fired Hyde after a 15-28 start. The team entered the season with great fanfare after two straight playoff appearances, but failed to live up to expectations. The Orioles improved to 60-59 under Mansolino. Hyde had elevated the team from the basement of the American League to a contender in the tough NL East. He earned AL Manager of the Year honors in 2023 after winning the club’s first division title since 2014.
Despite the poor 2025 campaign, there is a lot to like about the Orioles’ prospects. The team is made up of young, proven talents, notably Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Vacation, Adley RutschmanAnd Jordan Westburg. Young comrades Colton Cowser, Samuel BasalloAnd Coby Mayo showed flashes in limited action. The pitching staff is a question mark, but Trevor Rogers had a blast like an ace, and Kyle Bradish has shown considerable benefits when healthy. The team should also have the flexibility to add free agency. FanGraphs’ RosterResource tool estimates Baltimore’s payroll at around $81 million for next season. This represents about half the amount spent in 2025.
In addition to the enticing roster, a few St. Louis connections could make Baltimore a desirable landing spot for Pujols. As Gonzalez and Passan point out, Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias was a scout for the Cardinals during Pujols’ playing days. Pujols is still close to his Cardinals teammate Matt Hollidaythe father of Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday.
If Pujols lands a job with an MLB team, it will be his first in affiliated ball. He managed Leones del Escogido, a Dominican winter ball team, last offseason. Pujols has been tapped to lead the Dominican Republic national team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, although that would likely change if he earns a major league position.
