Pujols Ends Angels Talks, Padres to Interview

After meeting Angels GM Perry Minasian, Albert Pujols has ended talks with the Los Angeles Angels over disagreements about contract length, money and issues such as coaches and resources. The Angels, who still owe Pujols money under a post-retirement personal‑services deal, will now pursue other managerial candidates including Torii Hunter and Kurt Suzuki. The San Diego Padres, seeking a manager after Mike Shildt’s surprise retirement, have been granted permission to interview Pujols this week, and the Baltimore Orioles have also expressed interest. Pujols has no major-league managerial experience but led Leones del Escogido to Dominican Winter League and Caribbean Series titles and is scheduled to manage the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. Reports note his stature and the respect he commands from players such as Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., making him an intriguing, if unconventional, candidate who would likely relinquish his WBC role if hired.