Albert Pujols, the three-time National League Most Valuable Player, is scheduled to interview this week for the vacant manager position with the Houston Astros. A person familiar with the situation confirmed the development on Wednesday, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the organization has not publicly released its list of candidates.
The search follows the Astros’ decision not to renew the contract of Joe Espada. The team concluded the recent season with an 81-81 record, securing the American League West division title before exiting the postseason in the opening round against the Chicago White Sox.
Brad Ausmus Included in Managerial Search
In addition to Pujols, the Astros have identified former catcher Brad Ausmus as a candidate for the role. Ausmus currently serves on the coaching staff for the New York Yankees. His connection to Houston is longstanding, as he spent a significant portion of his playing career with the Astros, providing the front office with a candidate who possesses deep institutional familiarity.
Pujols Transitions from Iconic Playing Career to Coaching
Pujols, 46, retired in 2022 following a 22-season career in Major League Baseball that solidified his place among the sport’s all-time leaders. He currently ranks fourth in career home runs with 703, second in RBIs with 2,218, and 10th in total hits with 3,384. Beyond his offensive production, he was an 11-time All-Star and played a central role in the St. Louis Cardinals’ World Series championships in 2006 and 2011.
Since his retirement, Pujols has pursued opportunities in team leadership. During the offseason preceding the 2026 campaign, he interviewed for managerial openings with both the Los Angeles Angels and the San Diego Padres. His experience in the dugout also includes managing the Dominican Republic’s national team during the World Baseball Classic in March, where he guided the squad to the tournament’s semifinal round.
Astros Leadership Evaluate Future Direction
The organization’s decision to interview candidates like Pujols and Ausmus for the manager position highlights a search for new leadership.
The interview is scheduled to take place in the course of the week.
Albert Pujols, who played with new Houston general manager Randy Flores in St. Louis, will interview for the Astros' managerial spot. https://t.co/LeGo5zYIBW
More on Albert Pujols
BREAKING NEWS: According to my sources, Dominican slugger Albert Pujols, who hit 703 career home runs in MLB, is expected to be interviewed by the Houston Astros in the coming days for their managerial position. Pujols could be the ideal candidate the Astros are looking for,… pic.twitter.com/1JLqoNTtXM
Albert Pujols is reportedly interviewing to be the Houston Astros next manager, per @chandler_rome 🚨 Never forget his one season with the Dodgers… pic.twitter.com/Yem8vsxkcH
Could Astros hire Albert Pujols? Houston interviewing future Hall of Famer on Thursday https://t.co/5jLIvsedYo
Related reading
