Under manager Rob Thomson, the Philadelphia Phillies have enjoyed a highly successful run, posting a 346–251 regular-season record along with four postseason appearances and a solid 21–17 mark in playoff games.
Despite that success, the team has fallen short in the last two postseasons, suffering quick exits after losing the National League Division Series 3–1 in back-to-back years.
Because of those recent disappointments—and with Thomson approaching his mid-60s—there has been growing speculation that Philadelphia could eventually consider a managerial change.
According to Jake Elman of FanSided, one intriguing candidate to potentially take over in the future is baseball legend Albert Pujols.
Pujols, widely viewed as a future Hall of Famer, has already been connected to MLB managerial opportunities and interviewed with the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres during the past offseason.
With his leadership experience and his current role managing in the World Baseball Classic, many believe it may only be a matter of time before he lands a major league managerial job.
Thomson, who turns 63 in August and is under contract through 2027, could potentially see his future reconsidered if the Phillies fail to meet expectations this season.
Pujols is currently managing the Dominican Republic national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic, guiding the squad to an impressive run that has placed them in the semifinals against the United States national baseball team.
If he leads his team to a championship, his profile as a managerial candidate will likely rise even higher, drawing attention from multiple MLB organizations searching for leadership.
For Philadelphia, much will depend on how the upcoming season unfolds. If the Phillies continue to compete at a high level, the organization may stick with its current leadership.
However, if the team shows signs of decline—especially with veteran stars like Bryce Harper, J. T. Realmuto, and Zack Wheeler entering the later stages of their careers—the front office might consider a managerial reset.
In that scenario, Pujols could emerge as one of the most compelling candidates to lead the next era of Phillies baseball. ⚾
