Albert Pujols reportedly signs with Dodgers |
LOS ANGELES — A reunion between the St. Louis Cardinals and the greatest first baseman in the franchise's history is not coming to fruition. Instead, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols, 41, is remaining in Southern California after being released by the Los Angeles Angels and — in baseball terms — helping the rich become even richer, as he is reportedly joining the Los Angeles Dodgers and will be eligible to play for them beginning on Monday.
Rumors had been circulating that Pujols was in talks to rejoin the Cardinals, the team he played for from 2001-11 and won two World Series titles and three National League MVPS as a member of. However, Los Angeles Times writer Jorge Castillo reported on Saturday that Pujols and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed on a contract that spans the rest of the 2021 season. Pujols will be paid $420,000 by the Dodgers, while the Angels still owe him $29.5 million for the remainder of his previous contract. The deal isn't expected to be official until Monday, per source. Pujols was designated for assignment by the Angels on May 6 after disagreeing with the club over his playing time, thus ending a tenure with the Halos that began in 2012. He cleared waivers and became a free agent on May 13 and is now joining the ranks of the defending World Series champions, adding depth to an already stacked roster.
