Albert Pujols Identified as Mets Manager Candidate

The New York Mets have included the 11-time All-Star in their search for a permanent manager.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Baseball

Albert Pujols Identified as Mets Manager Candidate

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Should local sports teams prioritize hiring team legends as managers over experienced front-office personnel?

Following the June 2026 firing of Carlos Mendoza, the New York Mets have identified Albert Pujols as a candidate for the manager role. The club is currently utilizing interim manager Andy Green.

Why it matters

The New York Mets require a permanent leader for their dugout as they look toward the future beyond the 2026 season. Securing a manager is the organization's primary task during the upcoming offseason.

Albert Pujols is an 11-time All-Star, while fellow candidate Carlos Beltran is a nine-time All-Star and Baseball Hall of Fame member.

The players

Albert Pujols

He is a former professional baseball player and current special assistant for the Los Angeles Angels.

Carlos Mendoza

He is the former manager of the New York Mets who was fired by the club in June 2026.

Andy Green

He currently serves as the interim manager for the New York Mets and maintains a role within the team's front office.

Carlos Beltran

He is a nine-time All-Star and Baseball Hall of Fame member who is also a candidate for the Mets position.

Alex Cora

He is a candidate for the New York Mets manager position alongside Pujols and Beltran.

The details

The New York Mets have initiated a formal search for a permanent manager to replace Carlos Mendoza, who was fired in June 2026. Current interim manager Andy Green is expected to return to his front office role once the 2026 season concludes.

Carlos Mendoza was fired by the Mets in June 2026.
Albert Pujols coached Juan Soto during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Ken Rosenthal discussed the managerial search in September 2026.
The team will pursue new managerial options throughout the fall of 2026.

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Season Trajectory

The search for a permanent manager follows the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where candidate Albert Pujols gained recent managerial experience. His potential hire signals a shift in the organization's approach to leadership following their mid-season coaching change.

The hiring of a new manager will determine the team's coaching philosophy and potential roster adjustments for the upcoming season. Fans should monitor the announcement for shifts in the club's long-term competitive strategy.

The takeaway

The Mets are prioritizing experienced baseball figures as they look to stabilize their leadership following a tumultuous 2026 campaign. Fans should watch for how the next manager balances tactical decisions with the development of the current roster.