Yesterday, it was reported that former Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols signed a deal with the Angels crosstown rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The future Hall of Famer signed a major league contract for the rest of the season. This was first reported by the Los Angeles Times. However, this is not expected to become official until Monday. When it does, the Dodgers will pay Pujols the prorated portion of the MLB minimum salary for the rest of the year, which is about $420,000.
When he was released on May 6, Pujols was in the final year of his megadeal with the Angels, which was 10 years and $240,000,000 (which I said in my article “Angels release Albert Pujols”). Since Corey Seager already wears number 5, which Pujols has worn his entire career, Pujols will probably have to change unless Seager gives it up. He also will not be able to be a designated hitter because that’s only an American League rule.
The reigning World Series champions are most likely to use Pujols as a pinch hitter in the clutch,since they already have Max Muncy at first base,but Pujols might get some time at first with Muncy able to play second and third base. Pujols has only had 41 pinch hit at-bats out of 12,486 regular-season plate appearances. But the Dodgers want him to help a young, inexperienced bench.
Pujols is only hitting .198/.250/.372 in 92 at-bats this year. He has not yet ruled out the possibility of playing past 2021, but I think it’d make sense since he’s not the same player he once was. He currently ranks fifth in career home runs (667), second in RBIs (2,112) and 14th in career hits (3,253). He has won the National League MVP three times, the Gold Glove twice and six Silver Sluggers and is a 10-time All-Star.
Source: ESPN.com (Albert Pujols in agreement with Los Angeles Dodgers on major league deal,sources say)
