Albert Pujols Might Return as Angels’ Captain

There’s increasing speculation that Albert Pujols could be back with the Angels next season, potentially as the team’s captain.

The 45-year-old met with Angels general manager Perry Minassian recently to discuss the possibility of leading the team on opening day, according to reports.

Although no formal agreement has been made, league officials indicated that the talks were encouraging.

Pujols, who has a strong rapport with Angels owner Arte Moreno, is said to have the final say on whether he wants the role.

During his 10 seasons with the Angels, the former 11-time All-Star hit 222 home runs.

He has coaching experience, having led the Dominican national team during events like the Dominican Winter League and the World Baseball Classic. Pujols has shown interest in managing an MLB team.

This meeting comes on the heels of the Angels parting ways with both Ron Washington and interim manager Ray Montgomery after a challenging season that ended with a 72-90 record.

Washington, who is 73, had missed time since June due to quadruple heart bypass surgery.

In a September interview, Washington emphasized that the Angels’ decision not to pick up his 2026 option was related to the team’s performance, not his health.

“When you’re competitive and in charge, health issues take a back seat,” he mentioned. “Sometimes you have to make chicken salad from chicken.”

He also noted that he hadn’t had the opportunity to discuss his future with Moreno before the decision was made.

“We have to accept that,” he said about the situation. “Once a decision is made, there’s no point in arguing. Our performance was starting to improve.”