Overview
- Albert Pujols is scheduled to interview with the Houston Astros on Thursday as part of a multi-candidate managerial process.
- Pujols has no MLB managerial record but led Leones del Escogido to the 2024-25 Dominican winter league title and managed the Dominican Republic to a semifinal finish in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
- New Astros general manager Randy Flores, a former Cardinals teammate of Pujols, is leading an immediate search that also includes Brad Ausmus, Luis Urueta and Morgan Ensberg.
- Any hiring would require sorting Pujols' existing 10-year personal‑services contract with the Los Angeles Angels, a potential buyout or negotiation the teams must resolve.
- The interview spotlights a wider Astros reset after a slide in regular-season wins since 2023 and the late-October decision not to renew Joe Espada, and it could reshape fan sentiment depending on who is ultimately hired.