The former Cardinals star is steadily progressing toward his goal of managing at the Major League level, and he now has a new opportunity to showcase his leadership skills. According to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes, Pujols has been named the manager of the Dominican Republic for the 2026 World Baseball Classic—an incredible honor that further solidifies his path toward an MLB managerial role.
Albert Pujols recently led Leones del Escogido to a championship in the Dominican Winter League, securing their place in the Caribbean Series. He then guided the team to victory there as well, holding Mexico to just one hit in the final. His growing managerial résumé continues to make him an intriguing candidate for future MLB opportunities.
Pujols has openly expressed his desire to manage in the big leagues one day, and many Cardinals fans hope to see him return to St. Louis in that role. While his former teammate Yadier Molina also has managerial aspirations, Pujols may have a slight edge if the Cardinals decide to make a change under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom.
However, there is no indication that the Cardinals are looking to part ways with current manager Oliver Marmol just yet. Despite a turbulent few seasons since leading the team to the playoffs in 2022, Marmol still has the organization’s support—for now. Whether that stance changes under Bloom remains to be seen.
Regardless, it seems only a matter of time before Pujols lands a managerial job. While he may prefer to lead the Cardinals, he will likely consider other opportunities if they don’t reach out—especially given his strong reputation as a leader. Unlike many legendary players who struggle as coaches, Pujols has earned praise for his ability to communicate and inspire his teams. His presence commands respect, and his commitment to making those around him better could make him an exceptional manager.
Many fans are eager for a managerial change in St. Louis, but Marmol deserves a fair chance in 2025. While I personally hope he succeeds, I can’t deny the excitement surrounding the possibility of Pujols taking over the Cardinals in the future.