Albert Pujols returns to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022 with the goal of hitting 700 home runs. He needed 21, which he hadn’t achieved since 2019, but he hit 24 to finish at 703. He is already one of only four players in history to have 700 home runs. But Pujols wants more, telling Bob Nightengale that he hopes to become an MLB manager.
“For me, I’ve always been serious about everything that I do in this game,” Pujols said. “And now I’m serious about management. This game has helped me so much, and now I want to give back. “I am ready.”
Pujols has remained in baseball following his retirement, serving as a television analyst and in the Commissioner’s office. However, he acquired the coaching bug when he led a Dominican Winter League team to the championship in 2024. Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, and Babe Ruth each hit 700 home runs, but none spent a day in the majors.
Some of baseball’s greatest players, including Walter Johnson, Ted Williams, and Pete Rose, became managers. But no one had the slugging numbers that Pujols did. Frank Robinson now holds the record for the most home runs by a manager in history (586). However, Pujols can set the new number to 703.
Albert Pujols could take over either of his former teams
As the 2025 season begins, both of Pujols’ former teams are in upheaval. The St. Louis Cardinals have missed the playoffs two years in a row and are rebuilding. Aside from not finding a trade partner for Nolan Arenado, their team should be youthful and motivated this season. Meanwhile, the Angels are still figuring out how to put together a club around Mike Trout without Shohei Ohtani.
Pujols is not yet ready to be a manager, and both teams already have coaches. However, with low expectations for the season, both positions could open up soon. This puts Pujols in the limelight, as he may be tasked with luring fans back to the field while the rebuilding process progresses.
