“We’re all told at some point in time that we can no longer play the children’s game, we just don’t know when that’s gonna be. Some of us are told at eighteen, some of us are told at forty, but we’re all told.” – Moneyball
The Los Angeles Angels designated three-time MVP Albert Pujols for assignment on Thursday, effectively ending his run in Southern California, and potentially signaling the end of his storied career.
Pujols was in the final year of a 10-year, $240 million contract he signed in 2011. He was having an abysmal start to the season, batting .198 with a .250 on-base percentage in 92 plate appearances.
Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement, “Albert’s historical accomplishments, both on and off the field, serve as an inspiration to athletes everywhere, and his actions define what it means to be a true Superstar. Since his Rookie of the Year season in 2001, Albert and his wife Deidre have generously given their time and resources to countless charities throughout the world. We are thankful to the entire Pujols family.”
In being designated for assignment, the Angels have seven days to trade Pujols or to place him on waivers. If he goes unclaimed on waivers, he will be released.
All reports point to Pujols wanting to continue his baseball career, but at 41-years old and very much in the twilight of his career, his options will be limited. There have been rumors of reuniting with manager Tony La Russa in Chicago, but those rumors are based on their past history together and little else.
If this is indeed the end for Pujols, he will go down as one of the greatest hitters to ever play the game. Currently, he ranks fifth all-time in home runs (667), third in RBI’s (2,112) and 14th in hits (3,253). He won two Gold Gloves, six Silver Slugger awards, and was selected to 10 All-Star Games.
Pujols began his career in St. Louis in 2001 where, as mentioned by Moreno, he won Rookie of the Year. He won three National League MVPs — and finished among the top five in MVP voting in 10 seasons — while in a Cardinals uniform and led the iconic franchise to two World Series titles.
His eleven seasons in St. Louis were as prolific a stretch as baseball has ever seen. During his time with the Cardinals, Pujols had a .328 batting average with 445 home runs and 1,329 RBI’s.
His time in Los Angeles was not nearly as productive. After signing a 10-year, $240 million contract, Pujols was hit by age and injuries and ended his time as an Angel with a .256 batting average and 222 home runs.
Pujols has earned the right to go out on his own terms, and if there is a team that is willing to take a flyer on him for the rest of the season, he should be allowed to do so. He will undoubtedly be a first ballot Hall of Famer, but the game of baseball eventually comes calling. If Pujols has in fact received his final call, he deserves a tip of the cap from us all.
Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers and the NBA for Sporting News. Send your sports questions to [email protected].
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
