The St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli Marmol is on the hot seat after leading his club through one of the worst seasons in franchise history in 2023.
In what was anticipated to be a contending season for the Cardinals, the club finished last place in the National League Central with a 71-91 record and 13 games back from a wild card spot.
If Marmol can't rally his squad back to success in 2024, we could potentially be looking at a retired Cardinals legend to lead the franchise soon.
"Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols, 44, continues to say he wants to manage one day, perhaps joining former teammate and close friend Yadier Molina," USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Sunday.
Pujols joins Molina as a possible candidate to supplant Marmol as manager if the Cardinals continue to perform poorly.
Both Cardinals World Series Champions have continued to participate in the game since retiring from Major League Baseball as players -- most recently Molina as a manager for Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Series and Pujols as an instructor for the Los Angeles Angels at this year's spring training.
The Dominican Republic native is also taking on the role of manager for the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Professional Baseball League this upcoming season.
The accolades of Pujols are extensive -- Rookie of the Year, two-time World Series champion, three-time Most Valuable Player, 11-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, six-time Silver Slugger recipient and ranking No. 4 on the all-time home run list with 703 dingers.
Bringing in a former St. Louis slugger who spent 12 seasons with the club as a player and understands what is required to bring the club back to victory is certainly intriguing.
Could Pujols prove his worth as manager in the Dominican League this upcoming season and land himself the role of manager for St. Louis in 2025?
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