Albert Pujols Rumors: 3-4 Teams Interested in Veteran After Angels Release
May 14, 2021
If Albert Pujols wants to continue his playing career, there are reportedly multiple teams interested in signing the 10-time All-Star.
Per Robert Murray of FanSided, three to four clubs are in the mix for Pujols after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels last week.
The Angels made a surprise announcement May 6 that Pujols had been designated for assignment.
"There's never a right time for something like this," Angels general manager Perry Minasian said. "Obviously, I have all the respect in the world for what type of player he is; this is more about playing time and who we have."
Pujols was in the final season of a 10-year, $240 million contract that he signed as a free agent in December 2011. He became a free agent Thursday after going unclaimed on waivers.
Immediately after Pujols was designated for assignment, the Chicago White Sox were rumored to be a potential landing spot. They are managed by Tony La Russa, who was with Pujols for his 11-year stint with the St. Louis Cardinals, and have lost Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert for most of the season because of injuries.
La Russa shot down the idea, telling reporters May 7 "there's not a fit here" because Jose Abreu and Yermin Mercedes spend most of the time at first base and designated hitter.
One problem with finding a spot for Pujols is he may be limited to DHing at this point in his career.
Pujols hit .198/.250/.372 with five homers and 12 RBI in 92 plate appearances with the Angels this season and played 20 of his 24 games at first base. He hasn't posted an above-average OPS+ (100) since 2016.