Albert Pujols Emerging as Leading Candidate for Padres Manager Job

The San Diego Padres’ hunt for their next manager continues to draw national attention — and one of baseball’s biggest names could be closing in on the job. Albert Pujols, the future Hall of Famer who concluded his illustrious 22-year playing career in 2022, has reportedly completed a second interview with the organization, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The Padres are seeking a replacement for Mike Shildt, who retired after guiding the club to back-to-back postseason appearances and consecutive 90-win campaigns. While the franchise values continuity, Pujols’ name brings intrigue and excitement to a clubhouse anchored by star power and ambition.

Pujols, 45, is currently managing the Dominican Republic’s national team and is slated to lead them in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. That experience — along with his established relationship with two of San Diego’s cornerstones, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. — could make him an ideal fit for a team built around Latin American talent and veteran leadership.

As talks advance, sources indicate the Padres are weighing both Pujols’ leadership potential and his lack of professional managerial experience. Yet his baseball IQ, respect among peers, and relentless preparation could outweigh those concerns.

1. From Player to Leader: Pujols’ Coaching Evolution

Since retiring from the majors, Pujols has remained deeply involved in baseball. His transition to coaching was deliberate, not symbolic. After serving as an advisor with the Los Angeles Angels and mentoring young hitters during his final seasons, Pujols has spent recent years honing his leadership style at the international level. Though the Angels opted to hire former catcher Kurt Suzuki over Pujols earlier this year, insiders say that only intensified his desire to manage in the big leagues. His commitment to the craft has impressed those around him. “For me, I’ve always been serious about everything that I do in this game,” Pujols told USA Today in March. “Now I’m serious about managing. This game has done so much for me, and I want to give back. I’m ready.” That mindset — one rooted in humility and competitiveness — resonates with many inside the Padres organization. His history of winning, from World Series titles with St. Louis to leadership stints in international play, adds credibility to his candidacy. If hired, Pujols would join a growing wave of former players stepping directly into managerial roles, a trend seen recently with figures like Carlos Beltrán (in advisory roles) and David Ross. His arrival would also signal a generational shift in San Diego’s dugout.

2. What Pujols Could Bring to the Padres

While Pujols lacks major league managing experience, his potential impact as a communicator and mentor could be immediate. He’s long been praised for his baseball acumen and professionalism — traits that helped define his career and make him a natural clubhouse presence. His familiarity with stars like Machado and Tatis Jr. could help unify a roster that has occasionally struggled with consistency and chemistry. During the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Pujols will have the opportunity to manage both players, offering a preview of his leadership dynamic. The Padres, meanwhile, are entering a pivotal offseason. Following back-to-back playoff runs, expectations remain high despite Shildt’s departure. The front office seeks a manager capable of blending player development with championship urgency — a profile Pujols could embody if he earns the job. Should the hire come to fruition, Pujols would become one of the most high-profile first-time managers in modern baseball — a move that could redefine the Padres’ identity and reenergize their fan base.

3. Padres Weigh Future Leadership

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-69019edb-263c-8323-afec-d8ef23db61fa-7” data-testid=“conversation-turn-30” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

The Padres’ decision will likely come down to balancing risk and reward. While veteran managerial candidates bring experience, few offer the star power or cultural resonance that Pujols commands. His connection to Latin American players, deep understanding of the game, and reputation as a mentor all align with San Diego’s long-term goals. At the same time, the organization must ensure that whoever replaces Shildt can maintain competitive stability in a challenging National League West. The franchise’s recent track record suggests that expectations will be immediate, not gradual. For now, Pujols’ candidacy remains the most intriguing storyline of the offseason in San Diego — one blending legacy, leadership, and the promise of something new. With Albert Pujols completing a second interview for the Padres’ managerial job, San Diego faces a defining choice between proven experience and the allure of a legendary player ready to lead from the dugout.