Albert Pujols has confirmed that he is interested in managing the New York Mets.
Pujols appeared to answer the Mets’ managerial job opening on MLB Network Friday afternoon and was candid about why he wanted the job.
“You’ve got an owner who wants to win, who wants to spend, that’s always big,” Pujols said on MLB Network. “He has talent on the field, although this year was not very good because of injuries. When they were building this football field in the offseason and in spring training, they would not have thought that they would get so many injuries.”
The Mets’ managerial vacancy began Friday morning when they fired Carlos Mendoza, and announced that Andy Green will serve as interim manager for the rest of the season.
Mendoza’s departure comes as the Mets are 13 games under .500 with a 34-47 record and are 15 games out of first in the National League East.
On paper, the Mets have one of the best systems in baseball, with a roster that includes Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Bo Bichette. But injuries have plagued the team this year as Soto, Luis Robert Jr., and Marcus Semien are on the injured list.
As the team is facing a barrage of injuries, early indications are that the team will miss the playoffs for the second season in a row.
With the decision to move Mendoza and sitting dead last in the division, New York will likely get the start of the season and become sellers at this year’s MLB Trade Deadline.
Having a chance to get a start, begs the question: Is Pujols the right fit to lead the Mets?
The Dominican Republic finished in third place, after losing to the USA 2-1 in the WBC semi-finals. Which begs the question: Is Pujols the right fit to lead the Mets?
“Wherever he is, I’m going to bring my experience, learn from the great managers of the past, and try to do everything I can to try to build a good relationship with the players,” Pujols said. “Because at the end of the day, I believe communication is big, with your players, with your stars.”
When Pujols managed the Dominican Republic during the WBC, he was impressive.
The Dominican Republic had Soto in the team, and finished in third place, losing to the USA 2-1 in the semi-finals.
“I remember when I took the WBC job, people were asking, ‘How are you going to deal with so many stars?’ By talking to them. We expect them to do their best.” Pujols said. “I don’t have many rules, I just show up, play hard, respect myself and my coaching staff, that’s what they did.”
