Los Angeles Angels: Albert Pujols should have retired after last year
By David Hill
It appeared as though the end was approaching. Albert Pujols‘ wife appeared to indicate on social media that the first baseman was set to retire at the end of this season when his contract with the Los Angeles Angels came to an end. It would be a fitting time for Pujols to walk away, as he would get a farewell tour in front of the fans, although capacity may be limited at the ballpark.
However, those words were walked back. She quickly amended her post to say that the Angels’ aging first baseman has not decided on his future. In fact, he may be interested in playing beyond this season provided he can find a team willing to offer a contract.
Los Angeles Angels and Albert Pujols should face reality
It seems highly unlikely that Pujols will be able to find a guaranteed deal for 2022. In fact, he may not even find a minor league contract next offseason, especially as he has produced at a below average rate over the past four seasons.
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While Pujols has been a disappointment in his time in Los Angeles, he was an above average hitter, producing a 123 OPS+ while averaging 29 homers, 29 doubles, and 98 RBI in his first five seasons. However, over the past four years, he has produced a meager .242/.291/.406 batting line, worth an OPS+ of 80, in his 1842 plate appearances. The thunder is not there in his bat any longer, as Pujols has just 71 homers and 67 doubles in that stretch.
As much as Pujols has struggled, he reached his nadir in 2020. His .224/.270/.395 batting line was the worst of his career, as he managed just six homers and eight doubles in his 163 plate appearances. While many players struggled in the shortened year, it is hard to imagine that, at 41 years old, Pujols has anything left.
It is time that both the Angels and Pujols face this reality. Yes, Pujols is a legend, one of the greatest players ever to play in the majors. His resume is impeccable and he will easily be a first ballot Hall of Famer when the time comes. But he simply is not a major league caliber player any longer, and both the Angels and Pujols should realize this.
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It is time for Albert Pujols and the Los Angeles Angels to have a difficult conversation. While he may want to leave on his own terms, it is time that Pujols walks away and retires.