The Los Angeles Angels and 11-time All-Star Albert Pujols “have broken off talks” about their managerial vacancy, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.

Sam Blum of The Athletic reported Pujols and the Angels “could not get close on dollars and years.” While the two sides could always revisit talks, Blum noted it’s “very unlikely” they could ultimately reach an agreement.

Heyman reported Pujols still has interest from the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles.

Blum and colleagues Katie Woo and Ken Rosenthal first reported on Oct. 1 that Pujols “is believed to be the leading choice for the job for Angels owner Arte Moreno.”

The about-face will naturally lead some to wonder whether the legendary hitter is getting better offers from elsewhere.

The Padres, for example, could make an aggressive play.

Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts, both 33, aren’t getting any younger, while Fernando Tatis Jr. will be 27 in January. San Diego’s championship window with its current core won’t last forever.

Not mention, president of baseball operations A.J. Preller really needs some continuity in the dugout after Mike Shildt, Bob Melvin and Jayce Tingler each lasted two years as the manager.

Pujols only retired as a player after the 2022 season. Given his age (45), he could be a long-term solution for the Padres. His reputation as a player means he’ll command the respect of the clubhouse as well.

ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported he’s “held in high regard by the Padres’ two most influential players — Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr.”

Still, Pujols has no experience as a full-time coach in MLB and his only managerial work to this point is with Leones del Escogido in the Dominican league. For an organization that has faced questions about the internal culture in recent years, a more steady hand seemingly makes more sense for the Padres.

Granted, Preller tried that with Bob Melvin, a three-time Manager of the Year, and then Shildt, who led the St. Louis Cardinals for two seasons before working on Melvin’s staff. Neither worked out.

Maybe it’s time to think outside the box.