The St. Louis Cardinals legend has sets his sights on a new chapter in baseball: managing. Following in the footsteps of his former teammate Yadier Molina, he has already found early success as a manager in the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM), making him a strong candidate for the next hiring cycle.
He guided Leones del Escogido to a LIDOM championship, a remarkable achievement for someone with limited managerial experience. While his deep understanding of the game is undeniable, his biggest challenge has been transitioning from playing to coaching—learning to teach rather than expecting his players to match his own talent level.
“That’s been the biggest challenge,” he admitted. “I’ve seen some things here you wouldn’t believe.”
That same patience and leadership could pave the way for Pujols to manage the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
“Among the candidates being considered to manage the national team for the WBC are Albert Pujols, who led Leones del Escogido to victory in both LIDOM and the Caribbean Series, along with Tony Peña, Fernando Tatis, Héctor Borg, and Gilbert Gómez,” said Juan Núñez, president of the Dominican Republic Baseball Federation.
Managing the Dominican Republic on a global stage like the WBC would not only provide Pujols with invaluable experience but also fulfill a lifelong dream. If he leads the team to a strong showing, he would likely emerge as a top candidate for an MLB managerial role—possibly even with the Cardinals. Pujols has made it clear he is ready to embrace such an opportunity.
“I feel I can offer so much to players and teams,” he said. “It’s about growing and helping others. I love this game—it was my job, my life. If the opportunity comes, why not?”
With Marmol’s contract set to expire in two years and the Cardinals entering a transition phase under new executive Chaim Bloom, the organization may move on from its current manager. If Bloom sees Pujols as the right fit, he wouldn’t hesitate to make a change.