The Angels’ manager job appears to be Albert Pujols’ to lose.
The MLB legend is “believed to be the leading choice” for the position for owner Arte Moreno, according to a report from The Athletic.
The Post’s Jon Heyman reported Wednesday that Pujols would be among those interviewing for the opening.
The Angels are launching a managerial search after announcing Tuesday that they wouldn’t pick up Ron Washington’s option for the 2026 season.
Washington had been away from the team since June to undergo quadruple bypass heart surgery.
His replacement, interim manager Ray Montgomery, also won’t return to the dugout next season, opening the door for Pujols and other potential candidates.
Pujols, who played 10 seasons in Anaheim, is reportedly held “in high regard” by Moreno.
A source close to Pujols told The Athletic that “the decision may be Pujols’ to make.”
The former big league slugger has worked for the Angels since his retirement after the 2022 season, when his 10-year personal services contract with the team kicked in.
Pujols has been open about wanting to manage in the majors one day and has spent time managing in the Dominican Winter League and for the Dominican National Team in the World Baseball Classic since his playing days.
A managing job would be just another chapter in what has been a Hall of Fame-worthy big league career.
Pujols is one of seven players in MLB history to hit 700 home runs and have 3,000 hits.
Whoever takes the position will be tasked with one of the toughest jobs in baseball.
The Angels have finished below .500 in 10 straight seasons and haven’t made the postseason since 2014.
Since Mike Scioscia exited after 19 seasons following the 2018 season, the Angels have cycled through four different managers — and that’s not including Montgomery’s tenure as interim skipper.
In 2025, the Angels finished 72-90 despite starting out 36-38 before Washington left the club.