The Angels aren’t the only ones interested in Albert Pujols as their next manager.
The future Hall of Fame first baseman is expected to interview for the Orioles’ managerial opening, according to an ESPN report on Wednesday.
Baltimore fired manager Brandon Hyde in May after his club got off to a disappointing 15-28 start.
Hyde had led the Orioles to an AL East title in 2023 and back to the postseason as a wild-card entry in 2024 before his departure.
The team did not recover under interim manager Tony Mansolino, finishing 75–87 and in last place in the AL East.
According to ESPN, Mansolino is an internal candidate for the position.
The 45-year-old Pujols, who retired from playing in 2022, never played for the Orioles but has ties to the organization.
Mike Elias, president of Orioles baseball operations, was a scout for the Cardinals during Pujols’ tenure there in the 2000s.
Matt Holiday, the father of Orioles star Jackson Holiday, is friends with Pujols after their time together with the Cardinals, according to ESPN.
Pujols has managerial experience in the Dominican Winter League and for the Dominican National Team in the World Baseball Classic, but has never been on a Major League staff.
He has already interviewed with the Angels, for whom he played from 2012 to 2021, making one All-Star team.
The three-time MVP, who has 703 home runs to his name, is the Angels’ “top choice” to be their next manager after a “positive meeting” with general manager Perry Minasian last week, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported Saturday.
No contract has been finalized yet, but Pujols is expected to be given a choice of coaches if they reach an agreement.
The Angels succeeded manager Ron Washington and interim manager Ray Montgomery.
The 73-year-old Washington missed most of his sophomore season this year after undergoing quadruple bypass surgery.
The Angels went 72-90 and missed the playoffs for the eleventh straight season
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