The San Diego Padres have secured a spot in the 2025 Major League Baseball postseason, though their run came to an end with a loss to the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card series. As the team looks ahead to 2026, San Diego is in search of a new manager following Mike Shildt’s announcement that he would retire from the role.

Among the candidates being interviewed is former MLB star Albert Pujols, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. While Pujols does not have prior experience as an MLB manager, the Padres are reportedly impressed by the immense respect he commands throughout the baseball community.

The Baltimore Orioles have also expressed interest in Pujols for their managerial position, per MLB reporter Mark Feinsand. Pujols had previously been considered for a coaching role with the Los Angeles Angels, a team he both played for and currently works with. His name was frequently mentioned as a potential replacement for Ron Washington.

San Diego’s pursuit of Pujols reflects their ambitions to remain a strong competitor in the National League. The Padres have consistently punched above their weight in recent years, nearly clinching the National League West division title over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 season. This is particularly impressive given that the Padres’ payroll is significantly lower than that of the Dodgers.

The next Padres manager will be expected to continue leading the team into the postseason. While it remains to be seen if Pujols can fulfill that expectation, the former MLB slugger is eager for the opportunity. Speaking to USA Today in March, Pujols said, “For me, I’ve always been serious about everything that I do in this game, 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.”

Pujols also has at least one strong advocate in his corner—his former St. Louis Cardinals manager, Tony La Russa. “He’s ready,” La Russa said. “And he’s going to be great.”

The Angels have granted the Padres permission to interview Pujols, underscoring the seriousness of the opportunity. Should he be hired, Pujols would make history as the first MLB manager who hit 700 home runs as a player, according to USA Today.

As the Padres continue their search, the baseball world watches closely to see if one of the game’s greatest hitters will now lead from the dugout.
https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/san-diego-padres/padres-news-interview-albert-pujols-manager-position