The New York Mets are in the middle of a tough season. The team is 34-47, dead last in the NL East division. With postseason hopes dwindling for the franchise, which has the highest payroll for the 2026 season, questions are being raised about management.
Managers are often the first ones to go, and in this case, Carlos Mendoza was sent packing. In the wake of this firing, there’s one former player who has shown interest in taking the reins in Citi Field.
According to New York baseball columnist John Harper, St. Louis Cardinals legend Albert Pujols is interested in the managerial role with the Mets. Pujols managed the Dominican Republic team in the WBC, and he has strong ties with Juan Soto, who signed a $765 million deal with the Mets in Dec. 2024.
The update has ignited an interesting reaction from fans. One fan was not so much of a fan of Pujols and instead suggested another name:
“Isn’t a manager supposed to be more like a parent & not a friend? Juan Soto is already on a pedestal. I love Pujols – he’s an icon. IMO Mets need TOUGH love – someone who will instill & emphasize fundamentals. I’ve always felt Joe Girardi deserved another chance, & he’s won in NYC.”
“This would be great because of how much Francisco Lindor would absolutely hate it,” another fan reacted.
“I am so in. Gimme Albert Pujols Mets manager in 2027,” one fan commented.
“Forget bringing in Albert Pujols to be the manager, we need him to suit up and play first base,” one fan commented.
“I would not hate this,” one fan added.
Albert Pujols Explains Why He Wants to Manage the Mets
Albert Pujols would like to manage the Mets, one of MLB’s biggest spenders, who are waiting to taste success. Despite enormous spending, the Mets continue to fall short of expectations, and Friday’s firing of Carlos Mendoza suggests owner Steve Cohen wants results.
On Friday, the former Los Angeles Angels star made his interest in the Mets’ managerial role known. Pujols addressed what he would bring to the table for the Mets.
“No matter where it is, I’m going to bring in my experience learning from great managers in the past and try my best to build a great relationship with the players,” Pujols told MLB Network. “Because at the end of the day, I believe that communication is huge with your players.”
Pujols acknowledged that injuries have been a big reason behind the Mets’ shortcomings.
Pujols has the vote of confidence of Juan Soto, who played under his managerial leadership for the DR in the WBC. Soto called him a great leader.
“It’s truly incredible having a legend like Albert in the clubhouse, leading every single one of us as our manager,” Soto told reporters (via ESPN) in March. “He’s been in our shoes and truly understands how we feel, how the pieces move on the field, every swing we take, every decision we make.”
That’s a big endorsement coming from someone who has close ties with Pujols. This could go a long way if the Mets take a bet on someone with no MLB managerial experience but a known quantity.
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