Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols is a free agent for the second time in his professional career. Angels released experienced slave on thursday, A move previously reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
What’s next for Pujols? We’ll find out soon. One thing is certain: the market will be less crowded this time for Pujol’s services.
Pujols is in the final year of 10 years, a $ 240 million deal he signed in December 2011, a contract that ended in not one but 11 unbelievable years in St. Louis before he played for the Angels for a future. Strengthened his position as Cooperstone.
Pujols turned 41 in January. He has been dividing his time for the Angels too much for the past several years between First Base and DH, and he is a shadow of his former self at the plate.
In his 11 years with the Cardinals, the Pujols won three NL MVP awards and finished second four times. He also had three other top five finishers. In his 10 years with the Angels, he received down-ballot MVP votes in just two years, resulting in 17th in 2012 – the first year with his new club – and in 2014.
His bWAR in 11 years with the Cardinals: 88.6
His bWAR: 12.8 in 10 years with the Angels has included a total of minus 2.0 since 2017.
Needless to say, this is not exactly the type of production that Angles thought they were getting. They knew that he would not produce at the MVP level during the entirety of his career, but no one expected it to happen quickly.
“The Angels organization proudly signed Albert Pujols in 2011, and was honored to have worn the Angels’ jersey for nearly half of his Hall-of-Fame career,” Angels owner Arte Moreno wrote in a statement. “Albert’s historical accomplishments serve as an inspiration to athletes both on the field and everywhere, and his actions define what it means to be a true superstar. Since their Rookie of the Year season in 2001, Albert and his wife Didre have generously given their time and resources to countless charities around the world. We are thankful to the entire Pujols family. “
So, Pujols are done? This is speculation, but it makes sense that he still wants to play. If he plans to retire immediately, this is how the split would have happened in this way. This is not too much of a retirement, though.
He might convince the Cardinals to bring him back, although that roster spot seems too valuable, at a competitive club without a DH.
Maybe his old manager, Tony La Russa, brings him to Chicago to play for the White Sox. His club has a first baseman, of course, in Jose Abreu, but there will probably be AB on DH if Yarmine Mercedes slows down.
Neither seems very likely, even if they are the most likely option. The DH position in 2021 is a venue that provides roster flexibility for a lot of clubs, and GMs are not going to fill it with a 41-year-old slugger who has 85 OPS + in the last five seasons.
If this is the end for Pujols, however, it should be a celebration of an incredible career, not a repetition of a stagger to finish.
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