TEMPE, Ariz. — With two championships under his belt from his first managing job, Albert Pujols says he’s ready for the next step.
Pujols managed Leones del Escogido to the championships of Dominican League and Caribbean Series this winter, and he confirmed on Sunday that he’ll manage the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic next year.
Managing in the big leagues remains his ultimate goal, and he says he’s ready whenever the call comes.
“Time will tell,” said Pujols, who was in Angels camp to begin his annual stint as a guest instructor. “Whenever the opportunity comes, if there is some team knocking this year or next year, I mean, why not? I think right now I have a job, which is focusing on the World Baseball Classic, but if there’s any ball club knocking on the door, I’d be open to hear that.”
Angels manager Ron Washington, who is starting his 10th season as a big league manager, said he believes Pujols will be a major league manager.
“Albert was a student of the game,” Washington said. “His days in St. Louis proved that. Always in the right place. Always doing the right thing. Always came up with the big hit. Always was the cheerleader for the team. That’s why he has that pedigree. And it won’t be long before he has a managing job, that’s for sure.”
The next challenge for Pujols will be the WBC. A report surfaced on Saturday that he was going to get the job, and Pujols confirmed it on Sunday.
“It’s an honor,” he said. “I feel really proud to be able not just to be able to represent my country as a player when I did it, but now to be able to lead a great group of guys. I’m really excited. I’m really pumped up.”
For now, though, Pujols is wearing an Angels uniform. He said he plans to spend a few days with the major leaguers and then a few days with the minor leaguers. He said he also spends time during the season at the Angels’ player development complex in the Dominican Republic.
It’s all part of his responsibility as part of the $1 million a year personal services contract that was included in the 10-year, $240-million deal Pujols signed in 2011.
Pujols is joined this week by Vladimir Guerrero and Ervin Santana.
“I love being around those guys and just share my experience and help out the future of this organization,” Pujols said.
Washington said he hopes that the Angels young players take the opportunity to talk to the three guest instructors.
“Championship pedigree, that’s what they bring,” Washington said. “That’s what we’re working toward, a championship pedigree. And they are a part of that championship pedigree that’s been around here for a while. So much experience it’s just ridiculous. Whatever those guys are dreaming or thinking they can do, they’ve already done it. That helps.”
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Right-hander Ryan Johnson has made a good impression in his first big league camp, working three scoreless innings in two games.
“He was an animal, an animal that throws the ball across the plate,” Washington said of the 6-foot-6 pitcher. “I certainly hope he can control that energy, man. He expends a lot. That’s his makeup. Don’t get me wrong. But man, is he an animal. I can’t wait to watch him pitch and see exactly what he can do.”
Johnson, 22, was drafted by the Angels with the No. 74 pick in the 2024 draft. The selection, between the second and third rounds, was the Angels’ compensation for losing Shohei Ohtani as a free agent.
Johnson had a 2.21 ERA at Dallas Baptist, with 151 strikeouts and 14 walks in 106 innings. Because of his workload in college, he didn’t pitch in the minors last summer.
His first professional competition has been in big league camp this spring.
“It’s awesome,” Johnson said. “It’s a new experience for me. I’m enjoying every second of being around so many guys, so much experience. Being able to just have conversations, watch how they work.”
Johnson has opened eyes with his unorthodox delivery. He rushes the ball to the plate with a much quicker arm action than usual.
“That’s kind of just how it’s always been, just wanting to get in strong positions and then move as fast as I can,” Johnson said. “Just helps me move directionally, where I want to go, to help me stay in the zone.”
NOTES
Right-hander Michael Peterson is scheduled to make his first appearance of the spring on Monday. Peterson, who is in camp on a minor league deal, came up with an injury after an early bullpen session, so he “fell behind,” Washington said. Peterson, 30, pitched 16 games in relief last season with the Dodgers and Miami Marlins. …
The Angels made their first round of cuts, sending right-handers Victor Mederos, Chris Cortez, Austin Gordon and Angel Felipe, and catchers Dario Laverde and Alberto Rios to minor league camp. …
Washington said he’s been impressed with Christian Moore’s defensive improvement, even though he’s slumped at the plate lately. Moore, the Angels top position player prospect, got starts at second base on back-to-back days this weekend. Washington said he’ll get a start at third “pretty soon.”