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MLB: Three Best Fits For Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols

By Sean Millerick

St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols (L) is calmed down by manager Tony La Russa after striking out against Arizona Diamondbacks starter Randy Johnson in the sixth inning during game two of the National League western division playoffs 10 October 2001 in Phoenix. The Cardinals won 4-1. AFP Photo/Scott ROVAK (Photo by SCOTT ROVAK / AFP) (Photo credit should read SCOTT ROVAK/AFP via Getty Images)
St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols (L) is calmed down by manager Tony La Russa after striking out against Arizona Diamondbacks starter Randy Johnson in the sixth inning during game two of the National League western division playoffs 10 October 2001 in Phoenix. The Cardinals won 4-1. AFP Photo/Scott ROVAK (Photo by SCOTT ROVAK / AFP) (Photo credit should read SCOTT ROVAK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Albert Pujols and the Championship Chase

…Albert Pujols decides he wants to make a run at a third World Series championship.

In that case, he’s headed right for the Bronx or Chavez Ravine, and signing on with the Yankees or the Dodgers.

My money would be on the Yankees in the title chasing scenario. The only thing current first baseman Mike Ford has going for him is that he kind of looks like fictional Yankees Triple Crown winner Clu Haywood from Major League. Unfortunately for Ford, facial hair is the only offensive category he’s currently leading in. Coming into Friday, he’s batting a staggering .107 points less than Pujols.

Of course, Ford is only starting because Luke Voit has been out all season. That’s expected to end next week. Still, given how 2021 has played out injury wise, it’s no lock that knee doesn’t flare up again. Pujols seems like pretty good Voit insurance, and hitter friendly Yankee stadium seems like more than a pretty good final landing spot for a hitter that might still believe he has a shot at joining the 700 HR club.

As for joining the Dodgers? Well, it’s not like he’d have to pack. That injury to Cody Bellinger gives him a short-term window for some meaningful at bats for the cross town club. More importantly though, the Dodgers are clear favorites for winning it all this season. He’s good enough to help out off the bench.

That being said, if playing time was the reason Albert Pujols left the Angels, he likely won’t find enough to his liking with any of the championship contenders. If regular at bats and padding the career stats are the goal, there’s really one clear choice:

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