Former Dodger Reportedly Eyeing Mets Manager Job After Mendoza Firing

Former Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Albert Pujols has a serious interest in the New York Mets manager opening, according to a recent report.

Pujols played 85 games for the Dodgers in 2021 after he left the Los Angeles Angels, serving as a league-average bat that hit .254/.299/.460, but more than anything, offered experience and another leader in the clubhouse.

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He ended up signing one last contract with the St. Louis Cardinals after 2021, having his best season since 2016, and then retired shortly after.

Since his retirement, Pujols has fully transitioned to coaching and has made no secret of his desire to become an MLB manager in the future.

Los Angeles Dodgers pinch hitter Albert Pujols hits against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning of the National League Wild Card Game at Dodger Stadium on Oct 6, 2021.

Pujols, during his time with the Dodgers, was a true mentor to young players and served as a kind of player-coach, which is no surprise, given that he later entered coaching.

In his post-playing career, Pujols has managed the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic, done work in the winter league for the Caribbean Series, and served as an assistant with the Angels.

His resume was good enough to get a look by the San Diego Padres and the Angels for their managerial search.

He ultimately did not get either job, but that has not stopped his career aspirations.

Pujols and the Mets’ Job Opening

May 31, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Broadcaster and former St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols waves to fans during the third inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Now, Pujols wants the Mets’ opening, which just became available after New York let go of Carlos Mendoza following their terrible first half of the season, per reporter John Harper

“Heard from a source today that Albert Pujols in recent weeks had let friends know he’d very much want the Mets’ manager job if and when they moved on from Mendoza,” Harper wrote on X.

“Pujols managed DR team in WBC, has a very strong relationship with Soto.”

The Mets will likely take their time before choosing their next clubhouse leader, but it is worth keeping an eye on what the payroll powerhouse does, as they have the resources and the ability to match the Dodgers in terms of braintrust.

However, as the current iteration of the Mets shows, it takes more than money to win.

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