Fastball

Albert Pujols Adds to Historic Resume, Wins Caribbean Series as Dominican Manager

Former St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols opened his managerial career with a bang, helping the Dominican Republic's Leones del Escogido win the Caribbean Series.
Sam Connon|
London, GBR, ENG; Former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols walks on the field before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before London series game two against the Chicago Cubs at London Stadium.
London, GBR, ENG; Former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols walks on the field before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before London series game two against the Chicago Cubs at London Stadium. | Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

In this story:

St. Louis CardinalsLos Angeles Angels

Albert Pujols won't be eligible to get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame until 2028, but that doesn't mean the legendary slugger is sitting idly by.

The Dominican Republic's Leones del Escogido defeated Mexico's Charros de Jalisco 1-0 to claim the Caribbean Series title on Friday night. Escogido, who are managed by Pujols, tossed a combined one-hitter get over the finish line and complete quite the successful run this winter.

Pujols took the job as Escogido's manager in February 2024. A year later, he guided them to the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) title, which punched their ticket to the Caribbean Series.

By adding LIDOM and Caribbean Series championships to his resume, Pujols has continued to round out one of the most accomplished careers in baseball this century.

Pujols only just retired at the end of the 2022 campaign. He finished his 22-year big league career with 3,384 hits, 704 home runs, 2,218 RBI and a 101.5 WAR, batting .296 with a .918 OPS.

On top of making 11 All-Star appearances, Pujols won three MVPs, six Silver Sluggers, two Gold Gloves, NL Rookie of the Year, an NL batting title and two World Series rings. He ranks fourth all-time in career home runs, trailing only Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth.

Naturally, there is buzz building that the 45-year-old Pujols could manage an MLB team in the near future. With no immediate openings across the league, though, that won't be happening any time particularly soon.

But with even more championship experience now in his back pocket, it may only be a matter of time before teams start calling.

Related MLB Stories

  • CARDINALS, RED SOX TALKING ARENADO: According to a report from MLB Network, Boston and St. Louis are back to discussing a possible Nolan Arenado trade. CLICK HERE
  • TWINS LAND BADER: Minnesota went out and signed veteran Harrison Bader to a one-year deal, adding an elite glove to their outfield. CLICK HERE
  • ANGELS FENDED OFF CUBS: Before he signed a deal with Los Angeles, free agent infielder Yoán Moncada was reportedly sitting on a $3 million from Chicago. CLICK HERE

Follow Fastball On SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.

Published
Sam Connon
SAM CONNON

Sam Connon is a staff writer covering baseball for “Fastball on SI.’’ He previously covered UCLA Athletics for On SI’s All Bruins site, and is a UCLA graduate, with his work there as a sports columnist receiving awards from the College Media Association and Society of Professional Journalists. Connon also wrote for On SI’s New England Patriots site, Patriots Country, and he was on the Patriots and Boston Red Sox beats at Prime Time Sports Talk. Sam lives in Boston.

Share on XFollow SamConnon
Home/News