The Astros’ search for a new manager has two other candidates. Legend of the Cardinals Albert Pujols will receive an interview this week, as first reported by Mike Rodriguez of Rompiendo Sports. Former Astro Morgane Ensberg will also get an interview this week, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
Both Pujols and Ensberg have ties to new Astros GM Randy Flores. Pujols and Flores overlapped for five seasons in St. Louis. Ensberg played with Flores in college at USC. Houston also interviews Rangers bench coach Luis Urueta and Yankees bench coach. Brad Ausmus for the position of manager.
Pujols was frequently in the conversation for managerial openings last winter. He appeared to have the Angels’ job in hand before talks broke down between the two sides. Pujols has previous experience as a manager in the Dominican League and most recently with the Dominican Republic national team. He was the club’s skipper for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Team DR reached the semifinals, but fell short against Team USA.
Houston fans should adjust their attitude toward the former Cardinal if he gets the job. Pujols was a foe of the Astros as a player when both teams were in the NL Central. He hit 62 home runs against Houston, more than any other opponent. Pujols delivered an all-time postseason moment against the Astros in Game 5 of the NLCS with a takeoff three-run closer Brad Lidge.
Ensberg spent the majority of his eight-year big league career in Houston. He was an everyday third baseman for several seasons and had some big-time years. Ensberg was on the other side for the famous Pujols circuit.
Once his playing career ended, Ensberg quickly joined the coaching ranks, first at the collegiate level. He earned his first professional position as a minor league coach in the Astros system in 2013. Ensberg earned his first managerial position in 2017 with Houston’s Single-A affiliate.
Tampa Bay named Ensberg to manage the organization’s Double-A team in 2019. He served as Montgomery’s manager through 2023. The Rays moved him up to Triple-A in 2024. Ensberg managed Durham the past three seasons.
Photo courtesy of Jim Rassol and Mickey Welsh of USA Today via Imagn Images
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