The Houston Astros’ managerial search could end up pulling in two familiar Cardinals names.
After Houston fired Joe Espada on Wednesday following a playoff sweep by the Chicago White Sox, the Astros are suddenly hunting for a new skipper to lead them into the 2027 season and beyond. And while St. Louis has kept Oli Marmol in place with an extension running through the 2028 season, the Cardinals’ most recognizable former stars are still being mentioned as possible manager candidates elsewhere.
Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina were both inducted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame this summer, but each is also working toward a future in the dugout. With Espada out in Houston, the Astros could become the latest club to take a serious look.
Molina has already been on the radar for other teams after the early work he has done during the Cardinals’ rebuild. Around the league, he is seen as someone who could eventually manage. Houston hasn’t had much direct history with Molina, but that may not matter if the Astros decide to explore every option.
Pujols, meanwhile, is with the Los Angeles Angels as a special assistant, though that arrangement can be ended at any time. He also brings some history with Houston.
Pujols was the NLCS MVP when the Cardinals knocked off the Astros in 2004, and he later delivered the towering home run off Brad Lidge that kept St. Louis alive in Game 5 of the 2005 NLCS.
Both men have already taken on managerial responsibilities in winter ball and in the World Baseball Classic. Pujols managed the Dominican Republic national team, while Molina managed Puerto Rico. That experience only strengthens their cases if an MLB club decides they are ready for the next step.
Their playing résumés speak loudly too. Pujols and Molina won two World Series titles and three National League pennants together in St.
Louis, and both were known as strong leaders in the Cardinals clubhouse. If either lands a first big league managerial job, the expectation is that he would walk into the room with instant credibility.
For now, the question is whether Houston makes a move. And if it does, Cardinals legends Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina could both be in the mix. If Molina gets a shot, the Cardinals would then need to fill the void because he is currently part of the team’s coaching staff and front office.
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