Albert Pujols Staying in SoCal, Signs MLB Contract With Los Angeles Dodgers

The baseball career of Albert Pujols isn’t dead just yet! After clearing waivers following his release from the Los Angeles Angels, it took the future Hall of Famer less than three days to latch on with a new team.

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Apparently, Pujols has grown fond of the Southern California lifestyle. It was announced on Saturday that he had signed a $420K contract with the reigning World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers that runs through the remainder of the 2021 season.

BREAKING: The Dodgers and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols are in agreement on a major-league deal for the remainder of the season, per source.

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) May 15, 2021

Just like that, Albert Pujols finds himself on the other side of the Freeway Series rivalry.

The new deal sure appears to be a win for both parties involved. The Dodgers get a former MVP with plenty of postseason experience at a bargain price. It’s a contract that Pujols undoubtedly had no qualms about signing given that the Angels already owe him $30 million for this season.

Even at age 41, the slugger might actually be able to help the Dodgers address a statistical weakness as well:

Also #Dodgers vs. LHP: 217/.312/.352. Before the #Angels released Pujols, he had 3 HRs in 27 ABs vs. LHP in 2021 with an .878 OPS.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) May 15, 2021

Pujols also gets to join a World Series contender and chase a ring in what is likely his final season.

Actually, forget the ‘contender label’. The Dodgers always were the betting favorites to repeat. Now, L.A.’s roster has not one, not two but FOUR former MVPs in tow!

Former MVP Albert Pujols has agreed to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, joining fellow MVP winners Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger and Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers would be the 4th MLB team with 4 or more former MVP winners, and first since the 1996 Red Sox ( H/T @EliasSports ) pic.twitter.com/U227DYodQa

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 15, 2021

Good luck beating this team, my goodness!

Many figured Albert Pujols might eventually wind up with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played from 2001-11. Although he won’t be donning the Red Bird jerseys, the man with the fifth-most home runs (667) in MLB history will in fact get to step foot in Busch Stadium one more time.

Albert Pujols, who wanted to go back to St. Louis at least one more time, now gets his wish. The #Dodgers are in St. Louis on Sept. 6-9. Buy your tickets now.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 15, 2021

While the deal isn’t expected to be officially announced until Monday, it sure looks like both sides are pleased with the agreement. Seems pretty safe to say that the Angels are the only losers here.

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