Albert Pujols to interview for Astros' managerial job, sources say

Albert Pujols is headed to Houston to interview for the Astros' managerial position this week, according to sources. This comes shortly after the Astros appointed Randy Flores as their new general manager. Flores, a former left-handed pitcher, played alongside Pujols for five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, including during their championship run in 2006.

Pujols has expressed a strong interest in managing at the major league level since retiring in 2022. He has previous managerial experience, having led the Leones del Escogido to a championship in the Dominican winter league and managed the Dominican Republic in the recent World Baseball Classic. This interview will mark his first with the Astros, who are still evaluating other candidates, including Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus. Pujols is currently under a personal-services contract with the Angels, but a buyout is possible if he is selected for the Astros' role.