The St. Louis Cardinals have performed much better as of late, an in fact are 7-3 in their last 10 games. Still, it's a longshot that they'll reach the postseason, and there is still a chance they could finish below .500.
If such occurs, they may choose to move on from manager Oli Marmol, and if that is the direction they choose to go, there are several options they could choose from, including a franchise legend in Albert Pujols.
"Pujols spent 12 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, and half a season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has extensive relationships around baseball, is currently in broadcasting, and should be in a position to manage, if he wants a job," Robert Murray of FanSided wrote. "Many young players looked up to the veteran slugger and should he get a managerial position, he would add instant credibility at the helm."
As the Cardinals prepare for 2025, they have several of the same players that were on the roster with Pujols in 2022, his final Major League season. He was a key veteran leader that helped guide them to 93 wins and an NL Central title, and that presence was certainly missed in 2023 when they lost 91 games and finished in last place in the NL Central.
The future Hall-of-Famer would instantly have the respect of the clubhouse, which consists of many of his former teammates. He's been around the game for several years and has built several relationships, as Murray alluded to.
Fans in St. Louis would likely welcome him back with open arms. He was a franchise cornerstone for several years and can be considered one of the greatest players to ever wear the Birds on the Bat.
We'll see if the Cardinals take a look at him in the event that Marmol is dismissed.
More MLB: Cardinals legend could be candidate to replace current manager, per insider
