Astros set to interview MLB legend for manager job

The Houston Astros are the last MLB team left with a manager opening.

The Seattle Mariners hired Chicago Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler in a bit of a surprise, as the 36-year-old beat out ex-Astros manager Joe Espada.

The Astros are now set to interview Albert Pujols for the opening, with Mike Rodriguez first reporting the news.

Houston is also interviewing Luis Urueta, the Texas Rangers bench coach, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. 

The Astros just hired a new GM, Randy Flores, and he was once a teammate of Pujols during their days together with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pujols was recently named a candidate for the Houston job, along with ex-Astros catcher Brad Ausmus, and now the ex-Cardinals legend gets his chance to impress in the interview process.

The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Angels both interviewed Pujols last offseason. The Padres hired Craig Stammen, although Pujols was a finalist.

The Angels hired Kurt Suzuki, and it turns out that Pujols wanted control of everything and a salary near $6 million. 

Espada spent three seasons as the Astros manager and had a 256-229 record. This past season, Houston won the American League West with an 81-81 record, but Espada went winless in the postseason.

This could be a perfect opportunity for Pujols, and it’s the only MLB managerial job remaining that is available.