Albert Pujols Was 'Shocked' by Angels Release

Share this post:

MLB legend Albert Pujols officially joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday on a one-year deal, following a move by the Los Angeles Angels to release the future Hall of Famer in May. The decision to release Pujols in the final year of his contract really came out of nowhere, and shocked everyone, even Pujols.

“It shocked me, I think like everybody,” he said Monday, via The Associated Press. “But at the end of the day, no hard feelings at all. I’m here with this organization and I’m excited about this opportunity. I’m not the only player that’s probably going to go through this.”

41-year-old Albert Pujols has signed a major league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, moving 30 miles north to extend his remarkable career after leaving the Los Angeles Angels.

by @gregbeacham https://t.co/7TpDPpMjdi

— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) May 18, 2021

One of the reason the Angels released him was Pujols demand to play every day. He’s denying those claims:

“I think there’s a lot of things out there saying, ‘Oh, you wanted more playing time, you wanted to play every day,’” Pujols said, via The Associated Press. “That never came out of my mouth.”

“My goal the last two years was never to try to be an everyday first baseman. I told you guys in spring training, whatever role they have for me, I’m going to go with. I understand they made that decision as an organization, a business decision, and no hard feelings. I understand that.”

[sportsbookaffiliates]

One team’s loss is another team’s gain. The Dodgers gamble on Pujols is already paying off.

First hit as a Los Angeles Dodger is an RBI single for Albert Pujols ✔️

🎥: @BlakeHarrisTBLA pic.twitter.com/zB3LMU5PYL

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 18, 2021

“I feel like I’ve still got some gasoline left in my tank,” Pujols said, via The Associated Press. “I’m really excited for this opportunity.”

Pujols is a professional hitter, he’ll find a way to make things happen.

Welcome to the game outside the game! Follow us on our Sideaction Twitter handle, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest on sports and pop culture news across the web!