Albert Pujols meets with Angels about manager position, discusses potential contract: sources
Albert Pujols met with Angels general manager Perry Minasian Thursday evening in St. Louis to discuss opening the team as manager, league sources said. Athletics.
The meeting with the three-time MVP went very well and the two sides are having preliminary discussions about a deal, although there is no agreement yet, according to a league source. An announcement should not be imminent.
Pujols was the preferred choice of Angels owner Arte Moreno. The club declined to acquire the option on manager Ron Washington’s contract on September 30.
At this point, sources say, it’s essentially up to Pujols to decide whether or not he wants the job.
Former Angels outfielder Torii Hunter also remains in consideration for the job, but is only considered a great option if talks with Pujols fail.
One of the most important elements of the negotiation will be the ongoing personal services contract between Pujols and the Angels. Pujols and the Angels agreed to a 10-year, $10 million retirement deal as part of his 10-year, $240 million contract with the team in 2012. Pujols spent 10 seasons in Anaheim before being released in May 2021.
It’s unclear how the personal services agreement would factor into his potential managerial contract with the Angels.
The hope is that the Angels announce Pujols as manager sometime before the World Series. Notably, the league discourages teams from making certain announcements that overlap with the playoffs, so the length of the two championship series could play a role.
Discussions have also begun on a possible technical staff under Pujols. Longtime Dodgers starter Ramon Martinez is believed to be Pujols’ preferred choice as pitching coach. Martinez is the brother of Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez.
Pujols has attended Angels camp for the past three years as a guest instructor. He expressed interest in taking over as a big league manager.
He led Leones Del Escogido to a Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) championship last year. He is also expected to lead the Dominican Republic national team in the World Baseball Classic next spring. If he accepted a big league job, it would almost certainly impact his ability to handle the WBC.
“Yeah. I think, why not?” Pujols responded in March when asked if he would like to succeed in the big leagues. “I think if the opportunity ever presents itself, I think I’ll be ready for it.”
