Arte Moreno's Top Pick for New Angels Manager is Albert Pujols: Report

Aaron Coloma | Oct 11, 2025

May 27, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols (5) and center fielder Mike Trout (27) talk on the field before the game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno's first choice for the Halos' vacant managerial position is Albert Pujols.

Sources: Alltime great Albert Pujols is the first choice of Angels/Arte Moreno to manage following positive meeting. They still need to work out contract but Pujols is expected to be given choice of coaches if they can finalize the $.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 11, 2025

Heyman added Pujols is expected to have the choice of his coaching staff if the Angels can sort out his contract. A report by Sam Blum and Katie Woo of The Athletic on Friday stated Pujols met with Angels general manager Perry Minasian to discuss the managerial opening, which opened after the Angels' decision to move on from manager Ron Washington.

Washington had been with the team since the 2024 season, when the Angels finished with a franchise-worst 63-99 record. He stepped away from the team midway through 2025 due to concerns over his health.

More news: Angels' Jo Adell Named MVP of Season By Teammates

Minasian holds Pujols in high esteem, and spoke to USA Today's Bob Nightengale on Pujols' character after his meeting with the former player.

“I always felt his baseball acumen is second-to-none," Minasian said.“His desire to win is second-to-none. And his ability to connect with all different kind of players, and make players believe in themselves is a hell of an attribute.

“Just the person, take the baseball part of it out, is impressive. The honesty. The belief. Everything. I think he can do whatever he wants in this game."

Pujols, who played on the Angels for 10 seasons, has experience managing with Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Republic, and is expected to managed to Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The Angels recruited as a special assistant ahead of the 2023 season.The 22-season MLB veteran won three MVP awards in his career, as well as two World Series titles. He hit 703 home runs, good for fourth all-time, and made 11 All-Star Games during his illustrious career.

More news: Angels, Albert Pujols Discussing Contract to Be Next Manager.

The future Hall of Famer's desire to manage in MLB is unquestioned, as he has stated several times before he wishes to do so.

“I always say openly that I want an opportunity here in the big leagues,” Pujols said in the spring.“I think being in Winter League and doing it this year, it gave me the experience that I needed. I think it prepared me for the big job.”

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