Angels Eye Albert Pujols As Leading Manager Candidate After Washington Exit

The Los Angeles Angels have decided to move on from manager Ron Washington and are actively seeking a new manager for the 2026 season, with Albert Pujols emerging as the leading candidate. Pujols, a former Angels player and current special assistant, has managerial experience leading championship teams in the Dominican Republic and is set to manage the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Angels owner Arte Moreno reportedly favors Pujols for the role, appreciating his status as a franchise legend and his potential to bring credibility and leadership to a struggling team. Although Pujols lacks Major League Baseball managerial experience, his extensive playing resume, including 10 years with the Angels and over 700 career home runs, and his ongoing personal services contract with the team make him a natural fit. Pujols has expressed interest in managing at the MLB level and has been involved with the Angels organization in various capacities post-retirement. The Angels hope Pujols can help reverse the franchise's prolonged downturn, including an 11-season postseason drought and recent last-place finishes.