Will Three-Time MVP Make MLB Managerial Debut With Angels?

The Los Angeles Angels front office might have an ultra-important decision on its hands this offseason. If Ron Washington decides to step down as manager, Angels owner Arte Moreno and the club’s leadership will be tasked with finding the right guy to replace Washington. ESPN’s Buster Olney recently suggested a name that would definitely excite fans.

Olney indicated that former Angels slugger Albert Pujols could be the guy to step in and replace Washington. 

Washington may also return in 2026. He recently underwent heart surgery and has been out since June 19, but the veteran manager has expressed a desire to keep managing in the future. 

Whether or not Washington returns in 2026, Pujols is a name to keep an eye on for the Angels in the near future. Pujols hasn’t been shy about sharing his desire to manage an MLB team, and he’s also been connected to the St. Louis Cardinals job, in the event that Oli Marmol is not retained moving forward.

It’s also believed that the Angels might consider bringing back Mike Scioscia, who, of course, won a World Series with the Angels in 2002 and was a two-time American League Manager of the Year at the helm of the Angels.

Since Scioscia called it quits after the 2018 campaign, the Angels have been led by Washington, Phil Nevin, Joe Maddon and Brad Ausmus.

Interestingly, Pujols had some rumored tension with Maddon in 2021, when Pujols was nearing the end of his playing career. Pujols didn’t want to come off the bench, whereas Maddon was prioritizing Shohei Ohtani at DH and also playing time for first baseman Jared Walsh, leaving Pujols behind the eight-ball to an extent. Pujols was released in May of that season. 

Will that tension affect Pujols’ possible negotiations with the Angels to become the franchise’s next head coach? Maddon is no longer with the Angels in any capacity, so one would think Pujols wouldn’t allow that episode to play any role in the scenario. 

The Angels haven’t been a winning club in a decade. Whoever becomes the team’s manager after Washington will be challenged with turning things completely around. Pujols would represent a fresh face and one that would attract a ton of headlines, but he’s also inexperienced. 

It’ll be fascinating to see how Los Angeles handles the situation this offseason.