Albert Pujols, a St. Louis Cardinals legend, has set his sights on a new baseball venture: managing. Pujols’ early success as a manager in LIDOM, like that of his former Cards colleague Yadier Molina, might propel him to the forefront of management contenders in the upcoming cycle.
Pujols led Leones del Escogido to the LIDOM title, a remarkable achievement for a manager with little experience. Pujols understands the game better than most, but his most significant shift was teaching rather than expecting all of his guys to be as brilliant as he was.
“That’s been the biggest challenge,” Pujols remarked of his development becoming a patient manager. “I’ve seen some things here you wouldn’t believe.”
Albert Pujols could earn next opportunity with Dominican Republic WBC team
That same patience could earn him the opportunity to manage the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
According to Juan Núñez, president of the Dominican Republic Baseball Federation, potential managers for the national team for the World Baseball Classic include Albert Pujols, who has won with the Leones del Escogido and the Caribbean Series, as well as Tony Peña, Fernando Tatis, Héctor Borg, and Gilbert Gómez.
Pujols would benefit greatly from managing on a platform like the WBC. Not only would he gain exposure, but the opportunity to manage his home country – a country that is regularly ranked among the favorites in this event – is a dream come true. If Pujols leads the Dominican Republic to a respectable World Baseball Classic finish in 2026, he should be on the managerial short list for St. Louis or any other MLB team with an opening. Pujols is willing to take the post if offered.
“I feel that I can offer so much to players and to teams,” says Pujols. “It’s about growing and helping. This is not about me. It is about helping people and having a strong desire to do so. I have a deep love and passion for the game. This was my job; it was my life. That is what motivates me to do it. If the opportunity arises, why not?
Marmol has two years remaining on his deal, and the Cardinals are retooling. Expect St. Louis to deal away some of its core veterans during the season, potentially leaving Marmol out to dry with a new executive in control, Chaim Bloom. If Bloom develops feelings for Pujols, he will not hesitate to make the shift.
