In a somewhat shocking turn of events, the Los Angeles Angels decided to designate Albert Pujols for assignment. It was kind of surprising considering that this was expected to be his final season in Major League Baseballafter 20 years in The Big Show.
Pujols had signed a 10-year, 253 million deal with the Angels back in 2012 and, even though he wasn’t nearly half as productive over the past couple of seasons as he was earlier in his career, he’s still a marquee name around the league.
“The Angels organization proudly signed Albert in 2011, and are honored that he was worn the Angels jersey for nearly half of his Hall-of-Fame career,” said team owner Arte Moreno via the team’s social media accounts.
Angels’ Front Office Decided To Bench Pujols
However, it seems like there was a bit of a rift between the Dominican legend and the front office. Apparently, they made the decision not to put him in against Ryan Yarbrough, knowing that it would infuriate him:
“According to source, #Angels slugger Albert Pujols was upset that he wasn’t in lineup to face #Rays bulk LHP Ryan Yarbrough last night, and that the decision to bench him came from front office, not MGR Joe Maddon. Pujols was 6 for 9 with 2 HR, 2 2Bs, 7 RBIs vs. Yarbough,” reported Mike DiGiovanna.
Pujols and the Angels had reportedly reached an agreement. Albert told them that, unless he was allowed to play regularly, he would much rather be released from the team and pursue another chance elsewhere.
Now, Yadier Molina is reportedly advocating for him to come back to the St. Louis Cardinals, the team where he won a couple of World Series titles and became one of the greatest hitters of all time.
Whether he’ll join the Cardinals or not, we hope that he gets the last chance to prove his worth. The game and the league owe him way too much to just let him walk away after such a remarkable career.