What Are the Chances Albert Pujols or Yadier Molina Manage the Cardinals in 2026?
As the St. Louis Cardinals transition from longtime executive John Mozeliak to Chaim Bloom, a new era of baseball is beginning in St. Louis—one aimed at rebuilding the team into a consistent World Series contender.
Yet, with this shift toward the future, speculation continues to swirl about whether legendary Cardinals Albert Pujols or Yadier Molina could return to manage the club in 2026.
Recent developments suggest that possibility is still alive. The San Diego Padres’ decision to hire Craig Stammen as their new manager effectively removes the chance of Pujols leading another team next year. While the Colorado Rockies are technically still seeking a manager, it’s unlikely Pujols would pursue that opportunity. That leaves the door open for fans to dream of an eventual Pujols-Molina reunion in Cardinals red.
Manager Oli Marmol remains under contract, and Bloom has publicly expressed support for him. However, it’s important to note that Marmol wasn’t Bloom’s original hire. With the Cardinals not expected to contend in 2025, questions naturally arise about how long Marmol’s tenure might last if the team continues to struggle.
For Bloom and ownership, the idea of appointing a beloved franchise legend could carry both emotional and marketing appeal. Bringing in figures like Pujols or Molina could reignite fan excitement and ease the sting of a rebuilding phase.
Still, whether that would be a smart baseball decision is less certain. Both Pujols and Molina are icons with deep knowledge of the game and unmatched competitive drive, but success as players doesn’t always guarantee success as managers. It’s also unclear whether either would be interested in taking on a multi-year rebuilding challenge.
As the 2025 season approaches, Cardinals fans will be watching closely—not just the team’s performance on the field, but also the future of the dugout. Whether it’s Marmol, Pujols, or Molina, the next chapter of Cardinals baseball is taking shape, balancing nostalgia with the promise of a new direction.
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