Angels releasing Albert Pujols in final year of decade-long contract
Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols is being released by the Los Angeles Angles, the team announced on Thursday. The news was first reported by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.
The #Angels announced today that the Club has designated Albert Pujols for assignment. pic.twitter.com/SCRz78kXcf
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) May 6, 2021
Pujols is officially being designated for assignment, which means he's being immediately removed from the team's 40-man roster as a prelude to his eventual release. No reason has been given by the Angels or Pujols himself, but it may stem from an incident that reportedly happened on Wednesday.
According to source, #Angels slugger Albert Pujols was upset that he wasn't in lineup to face #Rays bulk LHP Ryan Yarbrough last night, and that the decision to bench him came from front office, not MGR Joe Maddon. Pujols was 6 for 9 with 2 HR, 2 2Bs, 7 RBIs vs. Yarbough.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) May 6, 2021
Pujols, 41, is in the final year of the 10-year, $253 million contract that drew him away from the only other team he ever played for, the St. Louis Cardinals. Primarily a first baseman and later a designated hitter, Pujols is a titan of the game who has spent 21 seasons (including 2021) in the majors, a mainstay who was the undisputed best player in the National League, if not the whole of MLB, for nearly a decade.
This story will be updated.
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