Houston Astros Set to Interview Albert Pujols for Manager Job

Interview Set for Thursday

Albert Pujols is on his way to Houston. The future Hall of Famer will interview for the open Astros managerial vacancy on Thursday.

This meeting marks his first formal conversation with Houston leadership. The organization is actively working through its candidate list, which also features New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus.

Cardinals Connection

The timing lines up closely with Houston's recent front office changes. Five days ago, the Astros hired former St. Louis Cardinals executive Randy Flores as their new general manager.

Flores and Pujols know each other well. Flores spent eight seasons as a major league pitcher. Five of those seasons were spent in St. Louis as teammates with Pujols. Together, they won a championship with the Cardinals in 2006. Before moving to Houston, Flores worked as scouting director and assistant general manager in St. Louis.

Recent Dugout Experience

Pujols has made his desire to manage clear since retiring as a player in 2022. The 46 year old has already built experience in the dugout.

In January 2025, he managed the Leones del Escogido to a championship in the Dominican winter league during his first year leading the team. He also managed the Dominican Republic in this year's World Baseball Classic. That run ended with a loss to the United States in the semifinals.

This is not his first time pursuing a major league managerial post. During the last hiring cycle, Pujols was a finalist for openings with both the Los Angeles Angels and the San Diego Padres. Those clubs chose rookie managers Kurt Suzuki and Craig Stammen instead.

Contract Details

One contractual detail remains if Houston decides to hire Pujols. He is still tied to the Angels through a 10 year, $10 million personal services contract.

That agreement is approaching its fifth year. However, a buyout can be negotiated if the Astros select him as their manager.

Pujols becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028, where he is widely expected to enter on the first ballot. Right now, his attention is on earning his first major league managerial position.