Albert Pujols interviews for the Astros' manager job on Thursday

Albert Pujols is in Houston to interview for the Astros' managerial job, ESPN and USA Today reported Wednesday. The in-person interview is scheduled for Thursday and is his first with the club.

The connection is obvious. Last week the Astros named Randy Flores their general manager. Flores pitched for eight years in the majors, five of them as Pujols' teammate in St. Louis, including the 2006 World Series title.

Pujols has wanted to manage since he retired after the 2022 season. He was a finalist for the Angels and Padres jobs last year, and both teams hired first-time managers, Kurt Suzuki and Craig Stammen. He has since managed the Dominican Republic at this year's World Baseball Classic and won a winter-league title with Leones del Escogido.

"I know I don't have the experience as a manager, but 23 years in this game, you go through a lot," Pujols told USA Today last year. "Old-school mentality can help young mentality."

The field and the fine print

Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus is also in the mix, according to both outlets. Houston and the Angels are the only teams with open managerial jobs after Seattle hired Jason Kanzler.

Pujols is still tied to the Angels through a 10-year, $10 million personal-services contract that is nearing its fifth year. ESPN reports a buyout could be worked out if the Astros pick him.

History with Houston

1. He hit .500 (14 for 28) with four homers and nine RBIs and won MVP of the 2004 NL Championship Series against the Astros.
2. His ninth-inning homer in Game 5 of the 2005 NLCS delayed Houston's first trip to the World Series.
3. His 1,265 regular-season at-bats against the Astros are his most against any team.

If he gets the job, USA Today notes he would be the first 700-homer hitter to manage in the majors. He becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028.