Albert Pujols to L.A. Angels: Identifying Every MLB GM's Signature Signing

Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson heading out west to join a suddenly dominant Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim roster has shaken the MLB world.

Angels GM Jerry Dipoto has stamped his legacy with these moves, as few GMs will ever sport a signature move on their résumé like this one in their careers.

This has us thinking...what would every MLB GM's signature signing actually be to this point?

Every GM makes his mark, either good or bad, within the first few years on the job. Some GMs have a string of failures and then success, some the opposite.

Everyone has a jaw-dropping signing. Good or bad, there is always one player signed under a GM's tutelage that the GM is forever remembered for.

Here is each current MLB general manager's signature signing.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Kevin Towers

Kevin Towers has only been on the job a little over the year and hasn't yet been able to make a marquee signing.

While Justin Upton was locked up before his time, the D-Backs haven't made too many acquisitions.

Forced to pick, I'd have to opt for Aaron Hill's two-year, $11 million deal.

Atlanta Braves: Frank Wren

The Braves rarely go out and make big signings. Usually their teams are developed through careful scouting and trades.

Sometimes they do sign players to grossly overpaying extensions.

See Dan Uggla, who was signed to a five-year, $62 million extension last year.

Baltimore Orioles: Dan Duquette

The Orioles haven't made a big signing in a while. Ever since Dan Duquette has been at the helm, the best I can muster is Kevin Gregg, who signed a two-year, $10 million deal before last season.

Boston Red Sox: Ben Cherington

One of the newest members to the baseball fraternity is Ben Cherington. He has some large shoes to fill with the departure of Theo Epstein.

If I had to predict who Cherington's first big signing will be, I'd say Carlos Beltran.

Signed, sealed and delivered before the end of the year.

Chicago Cubs: Jed Hoyer

Jed Hoyer is another new GM, and while he's under the watchful eye of Epstein, he still is looking to make his own mark on the once proud Cubs franchise.

With Pujols unavailable, I see Hoyer making a huge run and landing Prince Fielder to try to take command of the NL Central.

Chicago White Sox: Kenny Williams

Sorry to rag on Kenny Williams—he's done a solid job in Chicago and delivered a championship—but his signature signing has to be Adam Dunn.

Williams gave a massive contract last year to a guy who barely managed to hit above .160. He's on the hook for the next three years, and without massive improvement it will go down as one of the worst signings of the decade.

Cincinnati Reds: Walt Jocketty

Walt Jocketty has been around the game for a while, but his biggest move as a member of the Reds was landing Aroldis Chapman.

The Cuban fireballer has immense potential, but if he doesn't pan out, it will look like a big $30 million mistake on Jocketty's shoulders.

Cleveland Indians: Chris Antonetti

There are a lot of GMs who are still wet around the ears, and Chris Antonetti is a perfect example. He took over after the 2010 season with the promotion of former GM Mark Shapiro.

Antonetti has only made one real signing, keeping Grady Sizemore.

Sizemore could be a bargain at $5 million, or he could be another injury train wreck. Let's see, shall we?

Colorado Rockies: Dan O'Dowd

O'Dowd's been on the job for a number of years and has made a lot of positive moves for the franchise.

But there's one move he won't ever be able to escape: the signing of Mike Hampton to an eight-year, $121 million contract in 2001.

Suffice it to say, Hampton didn't earn his keep, and O'Dowd will be forever linked to that massive failure.

Detroit Tigers: Dave Dombrowski

For Dave Dombrowski, I have to go with the Justin Verlander extension in 2010.

Considering how dominant a pitcher Verlander was, it was one of the best value contracts of the past decade.

Houston Astros: ???

So the Astros don't have a GM, don't really have any money and have a farm system loaded with low-level prospects.

I'd suggest hiring a GM before they even consider throwing money at anyone.

Remember that Wandy Rodriguez extension?

Let's not have another one of those for a while.

Kansas City Royals: Dayton Moore

Moore's been on the job a bit over three years now, and with the Royals finally seemingly turning their franchise around, he's got a shot to make a big change for the Royals.

Though it's only a one-year deal, signing Jonathan Broxton could be the big signing that people will remember for years to come.

Los Angeles Angels: Jerry Dipoto

Well, if you haven't heard, the Angels have signed both Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson to long-term deals.

I think the Pujols signing would qualify as "signature."

Los Angeles Dodgers: Ned Colletti

Ned Colletti hasn't made too many good moves since he became the Dodgers GM.

But he did keep their best player long-term, and keeping Matt Kemp for eight years and $160 million is a big move.

Miami Marlins: Michael Hill

Jose Reyes, duh.

The Marlins are finally spending a bit of money, and landing the big fish Jose Reyes will do wonders to help GM Michael Hill's reputation.

Milwaukee Brewers: Doug Melvin

The Brewers never really make much of a splash in the free-agent market.

Their one foray involved signing Jeff Suppan to a four-year, $42 million contract in '07. The result: Uh, well, he was okay.

Minnesota Twins: Terry Ryan

Terry Ryan's been in charge of the Twins for two different stints in his career. His current reign is barely a month old, while his first one did produce some playoff success.

He really hasn't put his name on any big deals, though.

Take your pick: Ryan Doumit or Jamey Carroll. Exciting stuff, I know.

New York Mets: Sandy Alderson

Sandy Alderson is a great GM but is in a bad situation with the penniless Mets.

With the Mets, let's say signing Frank Francisco is the big move thus far.

New York Yankees: Brian Cashman

It's difficult to narrow down specifically what signing Brian Cashman should best be remembered for. I think you have to go with size and agree that Mark Teixeira's eight-year, $180 million contract is quite the piece of paper to put a signature on.

Oakland Athletics: Billy Beane

Oh Billy Beane. For so long he's been touted as a genius, but he still hasn't been able to make dollars appear from thin air.

He doesn't sign big-name players, and if he does, they're usually over the hill.

Let's go with Frank Thomas in 2006. He put up MVP numbers and led the A's to the ALCS.

Philadelphia Phillies: Ruben Amaro Jr.

Despite failing to win a World Series last year, the Phillies GM made a huge splash signing Cliff Lee to a five-year, $120 million contract.

Now that's signature.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Neal Huntington

The Pirates have been laughable at best when it comes to signing any sort of free agent.

I think you have consider signing Clint Barmes to a two-year deal for $13 million the best they've done in a while.

San Diego Padres: Josh Byrnes

Another team that is loathe to sign pricey talent is, of course, the San Diego Padres.

The new man in charge is Josh Byrnes, and so far he's yet to do much of anything.

I see them bringing in a few solid players who are a bit past their prime, so say hello to Bartolo Colon and Cody Ross within the next few weeks.

San Francisco Giants: Brian Sabean

Barry Zito—worst contract ever. Seven years, $126 million and now a No. 5 starter.

Brian Sabean will be forever linked with this contract.

Many Giants fans will tell you that Peter Magowan is the one that pushed for this contract, and that's true. However, Sabean clearly didn't put up enough resistance, and for that I hold him at least partially responsible for this quandary that Giants ownership is currently in.

Seattle Mariners: Jack Zduriencik

The Mariners don't make many signings, and when they do, they usually go bad.

I'll pick on the Chone Figgins signing from last year.

He's still under contract through 2013 and hopefully will hit better than his weight next year.

If you weren't aware, Figgins doesn't weigh more than 210.

St. Louis Cardinals: John Mozeliak

John Mozeliak didn't need to do too much to waltz into a World Series win last year. Now he's got a big job ahead of him.

As for a signature signing, locking up Matt Holiday for $120 million is pretty huge.

Tampa Bay Rays: Andrew Friedman

The Rays never have much money to burn, but Andrew Friedman's signing of Manny Ramirez last year certainly left its mark.

It didn't cost the team much, but the scene it created will be remembered for a while.

Texas Rangers: Jon Daniels

Jon Daniels has led the Rangers to two straight pennants and two straight World Series losses, though not for lack of effort.

Gotta give him the nod for signing Adrian Beltre to a six-year, $96 million contract that seems like a bargain so far.

Toronto Blue Jays: Alex Anthopoulos

Alex Anthopoulos did not sign Alex Rios to a massive contract, nor did he sign Vernon Wells to a massive, bloated contract.

He did sign Jose Bautista to a very reasonable contract in comparison and will have job security for a while as a result.

Washington Nationals: Mike Rizzo

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo is pictured here with signature signing Jayson Werth.

One year in and it doesn't look like a very good signing, but only time will truly tell how the Nationals remember Rizzo.