The Padres began the second round of interviews for their managerial opening on Tuesday by hosting Albert Pujols for several hours.
It is not known how many other candidates remain, though the Padres have narrowed the search to what they are considering the finalists for the job vacated when Mike Shildt retired earlier this month.
The second round of interviews are being conducted in person after candidates and team officials spoke over Zoom last week.
The Padres also interviewed bench coach Brian Esposito and pitching coach Ruben Niebla in the first round of interviews. It is not known who else has interviewed, as the Padres have prioritized secrecy in the search.
Pujols was part of MLB Network’s pregame coverage for Game 3 of the World Series on Monday and had been scheduled to be part of the coverage on Tuesday. Instead, multiple sources confirmed, he was in San Diego.
Pujols, whose 704 home runs are fourth most in major league history, has never coached or managed in the minor or major leagues. His managerial experience is limited to leading Leones de Escogido to the Dominican Winter League and Caribbean Series titles in 2025.
The Padres do covet his experience and cache with players built over a 22-year career that ended with his retirement in 2022.