Shocking, surprising, Angels DFA slugger Albert Pujols in final year of contract

Albert Pujols with LA Angels 2019 photo By Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0, https commons.wikimedia.org

5/6/21

ANAHEIM, CA – The Angels announced today that the Club has designated INF/DH Albert Pujols for assignment.

“The Angels Organization proudly signed Albert Pujols in 2011, and are honored that he has worn an Angels jersey for nearly half of his Hall-of-Fame Career. 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,” said Angels owner Arte Moreno. 

Pujols joined the Angels on Dec. 10, 2011 as a free agent and has since continued to add to his Hall of Fame résumé. The three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star currently ranks fifth on the all-time home runs (667) list, fifth in doubles (669), second in RBI (2,112), fifth in total bases (5,955) and fifth in extra-base hits (1,352).

Some of Pujols most historic moments have come during his decade with the Halos. The future Hall of Famer connected for both his 500th and 600th career home runs donning an Angels uniform, becoming just the ninth member of the 600-home run Club. On May 4th, 2018, he reached the prestigious 3,000-hit plateau and joined Hank Aaron as the only players ever to amass 3,000 hits, 600 home runs and 600 doubles. In 1,181 career games with the Angels, Pujols tallied 1,180 hits, 214 doubles, 222 home runs and 783 RBI. He leaves the franchise tied for fourth in home runs, fifth in RBI, and ninth in hits.

COURTESY LOS ANGELES ANGELS & MLBpressbox.com

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