What Happened to Albert Pujols?

Albert Pujols is a name that’s synonymous with baseball greatness. The Dominican-American first baseman has been one of the most feared hitters in the game for over two decades, amassing an impressive list of accolades and achievements throughout his career.

From his early success with the St. Louis Cardinals to his time with the Los Angeles Angels, Pujols has been a dominant force in Major League Baseball (MLB). However, in May 2021, Pujols’ career took a surprising turn when he was released by the Angels despite having years left on his contract.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what happened to Albert Pujols, from his rise to prominence to his current stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Early Career and Success With St. Louis Cardinals

Albert Pujols was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 1980. He moved to the United States in 1996 and began playing baseball at Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1999, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 13th round of the MLB draft.

Pujols quickly rose through the ranks of the Cardinals’ farm system and made his MLB debut in 2001 at the age of 21. In his rookie year, he hit .329 with 37 home runs and 130 RBIs, earning him the National League Rookie of the Year award.

Over the next decade, Pujols established himself as one of the best players in baseball, earning nine All-Star selections, three National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, two Gold Gloves, and two Silver Sluggers.

He also helped lead the Cardinals to two World Series championships, in 2006 and 2011, earning World Series MVP honors in the latter.

Pujols’ numbers during his time with the Cardinals were nothing short of incredible. In 11 seasons with the team, he hit .328 with 445 home runs and 1,329 RBIs.

He finished in the top five in MVP voting nine times and won the award in 2005, 2008, and 2009. Pujols’ success with the Cardinals cemented his place as one of the greatest players of his generation.

Time With the Los Angeles Angels

After 11 successful seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Albert Pujols became a free agent following the 2011 season. In December of that year, he signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, making him one of the highest-paid players in baseball history.

Pujols got off to a slow start with the Angels in 2012, hitting just .285 with 30 home runs and 105 RBIs. While those numbers would be considered impressive for most players, they were a significant drop-off from his performance with the Cardinals.

Pujols continued to put up solid numbers in subsequent seasons, but he never quite lived up to the expectations that came with his massive contract.

Injuries also began to take a toll on Pujols in his later years with the Angels. He underwent surgeries on his knee and foot in 2016, which limited him to just 152 games over the next two seasons. His power numbers also declined, as he hit just 31 home runs in 2016 and 2017 combined.

By the time Pujols entered the final years of his contract with the Angels, he was no longer the dominant force he once was. In his last season with the team in 2020, he hit just .224 with six home runs and 25 RBIs in 39 games.

Despite his struggles, Pujols still managed to put up impressive career numbers with the Angels, hitting .257 with 222 home runs and 783 RBIs over 10 seasons. However, it was clear that his best days were behind him.

Release From the Angels and Signing With the Dodgers

In May 2021, the Los Angeles Angels shocked the baseball world by releasing Albert Pujols despite the fact that he still had two years left on his 10-year, $240 million contract.

The move came as a surprise to many, as Pujols had been a fixture in the Angels’ lineup for a decade, even though his performance had declined in recent years.

After being released, Pujols became a free agent and began looking for a new team. He didn’t have to wait long before the Los Angeles Dodgers came calling.

On May 17, 2021, Pujols signed a one-year, $420,000 deal with the Dodgers, the pro-rated minimum salary for a player with his experience. The Dodgers were in need of a first baseman after losing starter Max Muncy to an injury, and Pujols seemed like a good fit.

Pujols made his Dodgers debut on the same day he signed with the team, starting at first base against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He went 0-for-4 in the game, but he made an immediate impact on his new teammates.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Pujols for his leadership and work ethic, saying that he had already made a positive impact on the team.

It remains to be seen how much playing time Pujols will get with the Dodgers, as he’s expected to serve as a backup to Muncy and other players. However, his experience and leadership should be a valuable asset to the team as they look to defend their World Series championship from 2020.

Performance With the Dodgers

Albert Pujols made his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 17, 2021, starting at first base against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Though he went 0-for-4 in his first game, he quickly began to show his value to the team.

Over his first few weeks with the Dodgers, Pujols hit several key home runs and provided a boost to the team’s offense.

In his first 10 games with the Dodgers, Pujols hit .286 with two home runs and six RBIs. He quickly showed that he still had some power left in his bat, hitting a home run in just his second game with the team.

He also proved to be a valuable presence in the locker room, with teammates praising his leadership and work ethic.

Pujols primarily served as a backup first baseman for the Dodgers, filling in for regular starter Max Muncy when needed.

He also saw time as a pinch-hitter and designated hitter during interleague games. Though he wasn’t an everyday player, Pujols played an important role in keeping the Dodgers’ offense clicking.

Looking ahead, it’s unclear what the future holds for Pujols with the Dodgers. He signed a one-year deal with the team, and it remains to be seen whether he will choose to retire or continue playing beyond the 2021 season.

The Dodgers have a deep roster with several talented young players, so it’s possible that Pujols will not see as much playing time in the future. However, his veteran presence and ability to hit for power could make him a valuable asset off the bench.

Legacy and Future

Albert Pujols is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, with a career that has spanned more than two decades. He is a three-time National League MVP, a two-time World Series champion, and a 10-time All-Star.

He has accumulated numerous other accolades and records throughout his career, cementing his place in baseball history.

Looking ahead, it’s unclear what’s next for Pujols after his time with the Dodgers. He will turn 42 years old in January 2022, and it’s possible that he may choose to retire. However, he has not made any official announcement regarding his future plans.

If Pujols does retire, he will leave behind an impressive legacy in baseball. He ranks among the all-time leaders in several statistical categories, including home runs, RBIs, hits, and total bases.

He is widely considered to be one of the greatest first basemen of all time, and his impact on the game is sure to be felt for generations to come.

In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Pujols has also been active off the field, supporting various charitable causes and organizations.

He and his wife, Deidre, founded the Pujols Family Foundation, which works to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families.

Finally, Pujols is widely expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee when he becomes eligible. His career accomplishments and impact on the game make him a shoo-in for baseball’s highest honor, and he will likely be celebrated for years to come as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Some Key Information About Albert Pujols’ Career

FAQs

What other teams did Albert Pujols play for besides the Cardinals, Angels, and Dodgers?

Pujols has only played for those three teams in his MLB career.

What is Albert Pujols’ net worth?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Pujols’ net worth is approximately $170 million.

Has Albert Pujols ever won a Gold Glove award?

Yes, Pujols has won two Gold Glove awards in his career, both with the Cardinals in 2006 and 2010.

How many career home runs does Albert Pujols have?

As of the end of the 2021 MLB season, Pujols has 679 career home runs, which ranks him fifth on the all-time list.

Has Albert Pujols ever won a Silver Slugger award?

Yes, Pujols has won ten Silver Slugger awards in his career, the most recent of which came in 2012.

Has Albert Pujols ever been involved in any off-the-field controversies?

Pujols has generally stayed out of the spotlight in terms of controversies or scandals throughout his career. He has been known for his philanthropic work and has been respected by both teammates and opponents alike.

Conclusion

Albert Pujols is one of the most accomplished and respected players in baseball history. He rose to prominence with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he won three MVP awards and two World Series championships.

After signing a massive contract with the Los Angeles Angels, Pujols experienced mixed success and struggled with injuries and declining performance.

In May 2021, the Angels released Pujols despite having years remaining on his contract. He quickly signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and provided a boost to their offense with several key home runs and valuable veteran leadership.

As Pujols approaches the end of his career, his place in baseball history is secure. He will likely be remembered as one of the greatest first basemen of all time, with an impressive array of accomplishments and records to his name.

Whether he chooses to retire or continue playing beyond the 2021 season, his impact on the game of baseball is sure to be felt for years to come.