Pujols Interviews for Astros Manager Opening

Albert Pujols is among the candidates for the Houston Astros’ manager position and is set to interview with the team’s new general manager, Randy Flores, on November 4, 2026. Flores spent 11 seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals’ front office and played alongside Pujols for five years there.

Houston is entering a leadership reset after dismissing general manager Dana Brown in August and choosing not to extend manager Joe Espada’s contract. The Astros finished the season 81-81, won the American League West for the eighth time in 10 seasons, then lost all their games in a wild-card series against the White Sox.

Pujols has pursued several MLB managerial openings. Last offseason, he interviewed with the Angels and Padres but did not land either position, and the Orioles were also interested in him. In June, after the Mets dismissed Carlos Mendoza, Pujols said he would be interested in managing New York.

He has also managed successfully outside MLB. In 2025, Pujols guided Escogido’s Lions to a Dominican winter league title and the Caribbean Series crown. He then managed the Dominican Republic to third place in this year’s World Baseball Classic.

Other candidates for the Houston job include Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus, a former Tigers and Angels manager, and Rangers bench coach Luis Urueta. Pujols, who hit 703 career home runs, is eligible for Hall of Fame voting in 2028.