Albert Pujols Just Interviewed for 9.5 Hours With NL Team For Managerial Opening

Albert Pujols, future Baseball Hall of Famer

Albert Pujols is still a good bet to land his first managing job in the majors, even after he and the Los Angeles Angels couldn't come to terms earlier this month. The Baltimore Orioles also interviewed Pujols, but have since moved on to hire Craig Albernaz. Now, however, the San Diego Padres have not only brought Pujols back for a second interview, but according to insider Bob Nightengale, that interview lasted 9 1/2 hours. What??

This was a face-to-face, in-person interview, and safe to say, the two sides certainly got a lot of face time, if this report is accurate. Fans had some other interesting takes:

Manager Mike Schildt suddenly retired two weeks ago, leading to the Padres' opening in the dugout. And while Schildt cited the "severe toll (the job took) on me mentally, physically and emotionally," it sounds like Pujols, coming off a nine+ hour interview, is prepared for that kind of challenge.

The future Hall of Famer, Pujols, spent 22 years in the big leagues, but has never coached or managed in the minor or major leagues. His managerial experience is limited, but pretty successful, leading Leones de Escogido to the Dominican Winter League title last season and the Caribbean Series championship in 2025. He will also manage the Dominican Republic team at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Pujols' 704 home runs rank 4th in major league history. He's also a three-time NL MVP, and a two-time World Series champion, all with the St. Louis Cardinals.