Albert Pujols is a name that echoes through baseball history, and as the 2025 season kicks off, the “Machine” is eyeing a new chapter that’s got fans buzzing—he wants to manage in the big leagues. After a legendary career that saw him join the 700-home-run club, Pujols isn’t content to just sit back and soak in the accolades. He’s hungry to give back to the game that gave him so much, and he’s making it clear: he’s ready to take the helm of an MLB team. Let’s dive into why this could be a game-changer—and why St. Louis might just be the perfect spot for him to start.
Pujols’ return to the Cardinals in 2022 was the stuff of dreams. He needed 21 homers to hit the 700 mark—a milestone he hadn’t reached since 2019—and he delivered in a big way, smashing 24 to finish at 703. That put him in elite company with Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, and Babe Ruth as the only players to ever reach 700. But Pujols isn’t one to rest on his laurels. “For me, I’ve always been serious about everything that I do in this game,” he told Bob Nightengale, “and now I’m serious about managing. This game has done so much for me, and now, I want to give back. I’m ready.” That’s vintage Pujols—driven, focused, and ready to tackle the next challenge.
Since hanging up his cleats, Pujols hasn’t strayed far from the diamond. He’s been working as a television analyst and in the Commissioner’s office, keeping his finger on the pulse of the game. But the real spark came in 2024 when he managed a Dominican Winter League team to a championship. That taste of leading a squad lit a fire in him, and now he’s got his sights set on an MLB dugout. If he pulls it off, he’d make history—none of the other 700-home-run club members ever managed in the majors. Frank Robinson holds the record for most homers by a manager with 586, but Pujols could blow that out of the water with his 703. We’ve seen all-time greats like Walter Johnson, Ted Williams, and Pete Rose take the reins, but none had Pujols’ slugging pedigree. This could be a whole new kind of legacy.
So, where might Pujols land? Both of his former teams—the Cardinals and the Angels—are in transition, and that’s got fans dreaming. St. Louis has missed the playoffs two straight years and is in rebuild mode. They couldn’t find a trade partner for Nolan Arenado, so the roster’s leaning young and hungry for 2025. Over in Anaheim, the Angels are still figuring out how to build around Mike Trout without Shohei Ohtani, and it’s been a rough go. Neither team has an opening right now—Oli Marmol’s still at the helm in St. Louis, and Ron Washington’s leading the Angels—but with expectations low this season, a managerial change could be on the horizon by 2026. Pujols stepping in could be just the jolt either franchise needs to bring fans back to the park, especially in St. Louis, where he’s already a legend.
Picture this: Pujols back in Cardinals red, pacing the dugout at Busch Stadium, guiding a young squad with the same intensity he brought to the batter’s box. It’s the kind of storyline that gives you chills. The Cards’ fanbase still adores him—those 11 seasons, three MVPs, and two World Series rings will do that—and he’d be a magnet for a team looking to reconnect with its roots during a rebuild. The Angels could be a fit too, giving Pujols a chance to help Trout finally taste postseason success. He also played a handful of games for the Dodgers late in his career—an Immaculate Grid gem—but Dave Roberts isn’t going anywhere with that dynasty humming along.
Pujols isn’t rushing things—he’s said he’s not quite ready to jump in yet—but the wheels are turning. And it doesn’t have to be a former team that calls; plenty of clubs could use his leadership and baseball IQ. Still, there’s something poetic about him returning to St. Louis, where he became a household name. For now, as the 2025 season gets underway, Pujols is watching and waiting, ready to bring his Hall of Fame grit to a new role. If he gets that shot, you can bet he’ll manage with the same fire that made him a legend—and that’s something every baseball fan can get behind.
