The Baltimore Orioles are considering hiring former MLB superstar Albert Pujols for their vacant managerial position. The team hasn’t interviewed Pujols in a formal capacity for the position, but is expected to do so soon, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Other teams, including the Los Angeles Angels, are also interested in bringing on Pujols as manager, the outlet reported. The San Diego Padres are also interested in the three-time MVP, according to Yahoo Sports.
Baltimore has also interviewed former New York Mets manager and current New York Yankees third base coach Luis Rojas, per SNY. Chicago Cubs bench coach Ryah Flaherty is another option the team has considered, according to MLBTradeRumors. They have also not ruled out bringing back interim manager Tony Mansolino on a full-time basis.
Does Albert Pujols Make Sense to Manage the Orioles?
Targeting former players to become managers is a common theme for teams in the modern era. Many current managers, including Alex Cora, Aaron Boone, Stephen Vogt, and Craig Counsell, all played in MLB at some point. For a team in need of a dedicated leader, Pujols does make sense on that front.
Orioles have expressed interest in hiring Albert Pujols as their new manager, per @Alden_Gonzalez pic.twitter.com/r6kBY99O9u
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 15, 2025
It’s still a risky move to bring a first-time manager onto a team that lacks cohesion in its lineup and rotation. The Orioles will get back Grayson Rodriguez and Tyler Wells in the rotation to help out the pitching staff. At the same time, it could help some of the younger players to learn a bit from an all-time great hitter.
Today’s game emphasizes exit velocity and home runs over patience at the plate and utilizing the entire field. Pujols’ influence on the Orioles’ lineup would hinge on whether he can utilize sabermetrics efficiently for the team.
The Orioles offense has been extremely inconsistent to start 2025, leading Baltimore to a 5-8 record thus far.
Runs/game in wins: 8.4
Runs/game in losses: 1.6
With the amount of pitching injuries suffered, the O’s cannot afford to be losing games due to offensive struggles pic.twitter.com/5NU5CkrQvG
— Charm City Connection (@88OriolesFan88) April 11, 2025
Pujols Could Be a Catalyst for Offense
The three-time MVP is one of the best hitters of the 2000s and of all time, and it’s not even a debate. Pujols slashed .296/.374/.918 with 703 home runs over a 21-year career. But his most interesting stat is his near 1:1 walk-to-strikeout ratio, along with his 3,384 hits.
This doesn’t include the fact that he was also nearly 1:1 in doubles-to-home runs over his career. Pujols had a great all-around natural ability and skill set to be an effective piece in any lineup. The one caveat is that his numbers dipped with the Angels, around the time that sabermetrics really dominated the philosophy of hitting.
The Orioles rank near the bottom of MLB in most offensive stats. What can Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman do to help turn things around?
Our @TommyWPelle on how these two stars can turn the tide for Baltimore: https://t.co/1uynQfOj10
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) May 7, 2025
Pujols’ success, if selected as manager, leans on two important metrics. First, how does his approach to hitting work in the new analytical-based approach of the game? Second, can the lineup adapt and adjust that approach in 2026 and produce at a rate far above 2025?
Main Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
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