The Los Angeles Angels are reportedly considering Albert Pujols as the leading candidate for their next managerial role, according to The Athletic. Team owner Arte Moreno is said to favor Pujols, and the decision may ultimately rest with the former superstar himself. Pujols, now 45, spent 10 of his 22 MLB seasons with the Angels and remains affiliated with the team under a 10-year personal services contract. Since retiring in 2022, he has managed in the Dominican Winter League and is slated to lead the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This development follows the Angels' announcement that they are not renewing former manager Ron Washington’s contract for 2026, ending Ray Montgomery’s interim tenure. The team, having finished last in the AL West for the second consecutive year with a 72-90 record, has now missed the playoffs for 11 straight seasons. General Manager Perry Minasian’s future with the franchise is also uncertain.

In other managerial news, Brian Snitker, who led the Atlanta Braves to a World Series title in 2021, announced he will step down as manager and won't return to the dugout next season. After nearly 50 years with the Braves organization as a player, coach, and manager, Snitker made the emotional decision following the 2025 season. He consulted Pam Cox, wife of his mentor Bobby Cox, to affirm his choice and embrace a transition to an advisory role. Snitker will be inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2026 and will remain involved with the team, including attending spring training. During his 10 seasons as manager, Snitker accumulated 811 wins, six NL East division titles, a wild-card berth, and the franchise's first World Series championship since 1995. Braves leadership and players celebrated his contributions in a press conference, where he was gifted a new Ford truck and a Hawaiian vacation. His successor has yet to be named, though internal candidates include bench coach Walt Weiss and third base coach Fredi González. The Braves ended their 2025 season at 76-87.

Major League Baseball reported an increase in total attendance for the third consecutive season, reaching 71,409,421 fans in 2025. This marks the league's 16th highest attendance ever, with improvements largely attributed to faster game times—averaging 2 hours and 38 minutes—and an expanded postseason. The Los Angeles Dodgers led the league by surpassing 4 million in attendance for the first time, while the San Diego Padres set a franchise record with 3.4 million attendees. The New York Mets attracted 3.2 million fans but missed the playoffs after a late collapse. Television ratings also rose across the board, with FOX averaging 2.04 million viewers—its highest since 2022—while ESPN, TBS, and MLB Network recorded double-digit growth. Games broadcast in Japan also saw increased viewership.

In ownership changes, a group led by Patrick Zalupski, CEO of Dream Finders Homes Inc., has officially acquired the Tampa Bay Rays, ending Stuart Sternberg’s 18-year tenure as owner. The purchase, unanimously approved by Major League Baseball owners, includes key partners Bill Cosgrove and Ken Babby. Zalupski will serve as the team’s control person and co-chair alongside Cosgrove, while Babby will take on the CEO role. The group plans to restart the search for a new stadium after the Rays withdrew from a $1.3 billion St. Petersburg ballpark project earlier this year due to delays and cost concerns. The executive advisory board for the franchise will include several business figures, including long-time team executive Matt Silverman and Fred Ridley as an independent member. Erik Neander remains as president of baseball operations. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed confidence in the new ownership's vision. Under Sternberg, the Rays won four AL East titles and reached the World Series twice.

Looking ahead, the postseason begins with a compelling American League wild-card matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers in Cleveland, and another high-profile series featuring the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. In the National League , the defending champion Dodgers face the Cincinnati Reds, and the Chicago Cubs return to the playoffs, meeting the Padres. Television ratings have also risen across the board, with FOX averaging 2.04 million viewers—its highest since 2022—while ESPN, TBS, and MLB Network recorded double-digit growth. Games broadcast in Japan also saw increased viewership.