Los Angeles Angels: The end of the line for Albert Pujols

It was a matter of time. Albert Pujols just was not the player he had been in his glory days, and with other options to slot at first and at designated hitter, the Los Angeles Angels could not keep his unproductive bat in the lineup. This led the Angels to either keep him on the bench as an expensive backup or to bite the bullet and cut bait.

The Angels have chosen the latter. According to reports, the Angels are set to release Pujols sometime on Thursday.

Los Angeles Angels releasing Albert Pujols could mark end of the line

One could say this decision has been a long time coming. Pujols has not been an above average bat since 2016, and has not been a threat as a run producer since 2018. It had appeared that he reached his nadir in the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign, but Pujols was determined to prove that he could still play under normal circumstances.

Instead, his career will end on a sour note. Pujols was even worse this season, producing a mediocre .198/.250/.372 batting line in his 92 plate appearances. Even his famed plate discipline had deteriorated, as Pujols drew just three walks while striking out 13 times. He was making contact, and did hit five homers, but it was not consistent enough.

Pujols also found himself embroiled in controversy this offseason. Former Marlins executive David Samson claimed that Pujols was older than he stated, saying that this was known throughout the baseball community. In place of any actual proof, Samson referred to the age scandal in the Dominican Republic, where Pujols was born, during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Despite those questions and his struggles over the past few years, there is no question that Pujols is one of the greatest to play in the majors. He produced a lifetime .298/.376/.545 batting line, slugging 669 doubles and 667 homers while driving in 2112 runs. A ten time All Star and three time NL MVP, he ranks third all time in RBI, fifth in total bases, doubles, and homers, 14th in hits, and 15th in runs scored.

At this point, it is fair to wonder if another team will take a chance on Pujols. He could be had for the league minimum as the Angels would be picking up the rest of his salary for the season, potentially serving as a power threat on the bench. However, it may be best if he signs a one day contract in St. Louis, retiring as a member of the Cardinals.

The Los Angeles Angels are set to cut Albert Pujols loose on Thursday. This is a move that should have been made years ago.