Three potential options for the vacant Angels managerial role

Pujols and Hunter are the likely frontrunners for the Angels' job

Both soon-to-be Hall of Famers, Pujols and Hunter, are likely the front-runners for the job, given that they’ve played for the organization. 

Pujols played 10 seasons with the Angels (2012-21), and signed the largest contract in Angels history until Anthony Rendon in 2020. He hit 222 of his 703 home runs with them. Hunter played five seasons with the Angels (2008-12), getting named to two All-Star teams (2009, 2010), was a Silver Slugger (2009) and won two Gold Gloves (2008, 2009). 

Pujols, a proven winner, won the 2006 and 2011 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals, which gives him the edge over Hunter, as he’s never appeared in a World Series. Pujols also has the edge, as he will gain valuable managerial experience when he manages the Dominican Republic’s national baseball team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. 

Hunter has an advantage in his own right, as he has been working as a special assistant to general manager Perry Minasian. 

Young could be under consideration for the job, given his pedigree as a player (seven-time All-Star) and his playing within the division for over a decade. However, given Pujols' contract and Hunter working for Minasian, they’ll likely be considered more to be the pick. 

The Angels need a manager to pull things together

The Angels have a good roster and haven’t been afraid to spend money, but they lack a manager who knows how to win to pull it all together. 

Whoever manages the Angels next will need to feel confident in telling Arte Moreno and Miniansian what he’ll need to be successful, and be given more than two years to fix the roster. 

With over $130M committed to the payroll next season, Mike Trout's clock ticking and a weakened American League West, the Angels are a few pieces away from having a competitive roster, and having the right manager at the helm could help tie it all together for a future postseason run.