Everything you need to know about Albert Pujols’ condition

The Dominican slugger was released by the Los Angeles Angels in what could be his last season in the Major Leagues.

Jose Alberto Pujols Alcantara’s stint with the Los Angeles Angels could come to an end after the Dominican was released by the team to provide more opportunities for other players.

Contract status:

According to Major League rules, when a player is placed on assignment, the team must, within seven days, place him on waivers, trade the player, send him to the minor leagues or release him. According to reports, Pujols will be free to sign with any team as none of the other options appear viable.

The Los Angeles Angels will have to pay the remainder of the 10-year, $240 million contract ($30 million in 2021) and there is reportedly an option to remain with the team in another role for 10 more years, although Pujols’ goal at this point is to keep playing.

Reasons for his departure:

At the moment Albert Pujols has not commented on the matter, but everything seems to indicate that his departure is part of a mutual agreement in which the Dominican expected to receive more playing time as the team’s starting first baseman or designated hitter when needed, while management is leaning towards guys like Jared Walsh and Shohei Ohtani filling those positions.

Age:

Pujols entered the season as the oldest active player at 41 years old. Right now, with the Dominican out of the game, that honor goes to Rich Hill, who turned 41 last March, followed by fellow Dominican Nelson Cruz, who will turn 41 on July 1.

Great numbers with the Angels:

In 10 seasons in Los Angeles, he had a .256 batting average with 222 home runs, 1180 hits and a .311 OBP.

Pending marks:

The biggest mark he would be chasing would be 700 home runs, to become the fourth in history to achieve it and he currently has 667, 5 of which have been this season. He would also seek to surpass his compatriot Alex Rodriguez who finished his career with 696 home runs. The Dominican is 75 at-bats away from reaching 12,000 for his career, 148 runs scored for 2,000, 47 hits for 3,330 and 88 RBIs for 2,200.

Possible options:

Much has been said about possible teams that could be interested in the Dominican, highlighting the cases of Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and even a return to St. Louis Cardinals. Also on the table is an offer to remain with the Angels in an outfield role and ultimately Pujols, along with those close to him, could consider retirement.

Season Background:

Prior to the start of the season, his wife, Deidre Pujols made a post stating that this would be Albert Pujols’ last year in the Major Leagues, later clarifying that she was referring to the final year of his contract with the Angels. The Dominican entered the season stating that he felt he was in great physical shape to continue his career.