Overview
- Padres officials completed a second, in-person interview with Albert Pujols on Tuesday, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
- Reporting indicates the search is down to no more than four candidates, with Pujols, pitching coach Ruben Niebla and Rangers special assistant Nick Hundley among those still in the mix.
- An earlier report listed bench coach Brian Esposito as a contender, reflecting a narrowing field that remains unresolved.
- Pujols has not managed in the majors; he works in a special instructor role with the Angels and is slated to manage the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
- Pujols previously interviewed for the Angels’ opening before the team hired Kurt Suzuki, and the Padres’ vacancy followed Mike Shildt’s retirement after the season.