The Los Angeles Angels’ search for a new manager has taken another dramatic turn, as both Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter were officially informed they are no longer in the running for the coveted position. According to a source cited by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the club delivered the news on Monday, narrowing the field and intensifying speculation about who will ultimately take the reins in Anaheim. With the offseason in full swing and managerial vacancies cropping up across the league, the Angels’ decision has rippled through Major League Baseball, especially given the high-profile nature of the candidates involved.
Pujols, a legendary figure in baseball and a three-time MVP, was once considered the front-runner for the Angels’ managerial job. He even interviewed with general manager Perry Minasian in St. Louis on October 9, 2025, but contract negotiations ultimately fell apart. Despite being on the Angels’ payroll—he’s earning $1 million a year as part of a 10-year personal services contract that began prior to the 2023 season—Pujols now finds himself looking elsewhere for his managerial debut. His name has quickly surfaced as a candidate for both the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres’ managerial vacancies, marking a new chapter in his storied career.
Though Pujols, now 45, has never managed or coached at the Major or Minor League level, his recent accomplishments can’t be ignored. Last winter, he led Leones del Escogido to a Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League championship and followed it up with a Caribbean Series title. That success has only fueled his desire to manage at the highest level. As Pujols stated during Spring Training, “I want to become a Major League manager and I believe I’m ready for the role.” He’s also set to manage his native Dominican Republic in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic—another testament to his leadership credentials, even if they’re not yet forged in MLB dugouts.
Torii Hunter, another beloved former Angel and current special assistant to Minasian, was also informed he would not be moving forward in the process. Hunter spent time in the dugout during several series late in the season and openly expressed interest in managing “if the right situation came up,” as he told reporters in Texas. Like Pujols, Hunter’s ties to the Angels run deep, but his experience on the managerial side is still developing. He’s had informal conversations with the Minnesota Twins about their own managerial vacancy, though no official interview has taken place yet.
With Pujols and Hunter out, Kurt Suzuki emerges as the lone internal candidate remaining for the Angels’ managerial opening. Suzuki, another former Angel and current special assistant to Minasian, has also interviewed for the San Francisco Giants’ managerial job. He and Hunter both participated in organizational exit interviews and spent time with the team down the stretch, further cementing their roles as key voices in the Angels’ clubhouse. Suzuki’s experience as a player and his recent front-office involvement have made him a serious contender, though the Angels have yet to make any official announcements.
The search doesn’t end there. The Angels have been linked to a variety of external candidates, each bringing their own unique resume to the table. These include Nick Hundley, currently a special assistant with the Texas Rangers; Ryan Flaherty, the Chicago Cubs’ bench coach; Brandon Hyde, former manager of the Baltimore Orioles; and Rocco Baldelli, who recently managed the Minnesota Twins. Bo Porter, the Angels’ first-base coach and former Houston Astros manager, has also expressed interest in the job, telling The Athletic he’s eager for another shot at managing. However, it remains unclear whether the Angels see Porter as a serious candidate.
In a move that signals sweeping changes ahead, the Angels have told all of their current coaches they are free to pursue other opportunities, as the incoming manager will have full authority to assemble his own staff. This is standard practice during major transitions but underscores the organization’s commitment to a fresh start. With so much uncertainty swirling, fans are left wondering who will guide the Angels through what promises to be a pivotal period in franchise history.
Meanwhile, the managerial carousel isn’t spinning only in Anaheim. The St. Louis Cardinals, a team with deep ties to Pujols, are preparing for a significant rebuild this offseason. Having already parted with key assets at the trade deadline, they’re expected to continue making aggressive moves, and the rumor mill is working overtime. Outfielder Lars Nootbaar has emerged as a potential trade candidate, with two years of team control remaining and a projected $5.7 million salary for the 2026 season, up from $2.95 million in 2025, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Drew Koch of Blog Red Machine floated the idea of Nootbaar being traded to the Cincinnati Reds, but the suggestion has met with skepticism. “The Cincinnati Reds need to bolster their lineup this winter, and while not overly popular, one way to do so would be through an intra-division trade with one of their NL Central rivals,” Koch wrote. However, the article makes clear that such a deal is unlikely, given the fierce rivalry between the Reds and Cardinals. For the Cardinals to consider trading Nootbaar within the division, the Reds would need to offer a package that “considerably favors the Cardinals for the future”—a scenario most observers see as improbable.
Nootbaar’s 2025 campaign was hampered by injuries, culminating in surgery on both heels earlier this month to address Haglund’s deformities. He’s expected to be ready for spring training in 2026, but there’s no firm timetable for his recovery just yet. Despite a down year, Nootbaar’s track record suggests he could bounce back, making him a valuable asset for any club willing to take a chance.
Interestingly, as the Cardinals plot their rebuild, some within the organization and media circles are urging the club to consider reuniting with Pujols in a new role following his departure from the Angels’ managerial race. While nothing is official, the prospect of Pujols returning to St. Louis in a front-office or advisory capacity has certainly captured the imagination of Cardinals fans. Given his iconic status in the city and his deep understanding of the game, such a reunion could inject much-needed energy and experience into a franchise facing a period of transition.
As October winds down, both the Angels and Cardinals find themselves at crossroads. The managerial search in Anaheim remains wide open, with Suzuki and several external candidates still in play. In St. Louis, the focus shifts to roster moves and the tantalizing possibility of bringing Pujols back into the fold. One thing’s for sure: the hot stove season is already heating up, and baseball fans on both coasts will be watching every development with bated breath.
With so many moving pieces and high-profile names in the mix, the coming weeks promise no shortage of intrigue. Whether it’s the Angels’ pursuit of a new leader or the Cardinals’ efforts to reshape their future, the baseball world is bracing for another winter of bold decisions and unexpected twists.
