Albert Pujols is set to manage the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic next season, just months after leading Leones del Escogido to a LIDOM championship. The future Hall of Famer has been on quite the journey, one he hopes will eventually lead to an MLB managerial role—an opportunity he believes he has earned.
“I feel that I can offer so much to players and to teams,” Pujols told ESPN. “It’s about growing and helping. It’s not about me. It’s about helping others, and having that passion. I have that love and passion for the game. This was my job, this was my life. For me, that’s why I want to do it. If the opportunity comes, why not?”
Pujols will gain valuable experience managing major league-caliber talent on a big stage at the WBC. While he has yet to interview for an MLB managerial job, a strong performance by the Dominican team in 2026 could put him on the radar for future opportunities.
A Cardinals-Pujols Reunion? Not Yet
Given his deep ties to the St. Louis Cardinals, they might seem like an obvious landing spot for Pujols. However, several obstacles make that unlikely in the near future. Current manager Oli Marmol is under contract for the next few years, and both the front office and players appear to support him. However, if the Cardinals struggle in a competitive NL Central, executive Chaim Bloom could be pressured to make a change.
Another potential hurdle is Yadier Molina, Pujols’ former teammate, who has remained closely connected to the organization and already has managerial experience in LIDOM and the WBC. Molina’s track record puts him ahead of Pujols in the race for a future role with the Cardinals.
Additionally, if St. Louis decides to move on from Marmol, they may prioritize hiring an experienced manager to guide their young core. With the team shifting toward a youth movement centered around players like Masyn Winn and a promising outfield, leadership with a strong background in player development could be preferred over Pujols, who would be a first-time MLB manager.
Pujols’ future as a manager seems inevitable, but a return to the Cardinals in that role may have to wait.