TODAY: The Dodgers have officially announced Pujols’ deal. Right-hander Tony Gonsolin was shifted to the 60-day injured list in a corresponding roster move.
Pujols issued a statement on the signing via his personal Twitter feed, saying “First, I would like to thank God for the opportunity he has given me to play this game. While this is not how I thought my time in Anaheim would end, I am truly grateful for the memories and friendships that have been created over the past 10 years. Thank you to my teammates and Angels fans everywhere for your support. You will always hold a special place in my heart.”
“While everyone in the big leagues wants to compete every day, I understand roles do change and that is something I’ve accepted for the past couple of years. The role that Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts have presented to me is one that I embrace. I am excited to be part of the Dodger family and want to thank Andrew, Dave and the rest of the Dodger organization for this opportunity. My goal is the same as it’s always been – to help the ballclub win a championship in 2021. I’ve seen up close just how talented this team is and I look forward to contributing.”
MAY 15: Albert Pujols is staying in Los Angeles: He and the Dodgers have agreed to a major league contract for the rest of the season, Jorge Castillo of the LA Times reports.
The Pujols signing comes just over a week after the Angels let the future Hall of Famer go. Pujols then reportedly garnered interest from a few teams, including the Cardinals – with whom he had his greatest success – but the first baseman will join a Dodgers team aiming for its second consecutive World Series championship. He’ll presumably serve as a bench bat for the Dodgers, who have relied on Max Muncy at first base for most of 2021.
Pujols is far from the superstar he once was, but the Dodgers obviously believe the 10-time All-Star and three-time MVP will give them a credible bat in a part-time role. The 41-year-old hasn’t produced much since his stark decline began in 2017, having batted .240/.289/.405 (84 wRC+) with 76 home runs in 1,934 plate appearances over the past four-plus seasons.
Pujols also got off to an ugly .198/.250/.372 start with five home runs in 92 PA this year before the Angels parted with him, but there were some positives during that span. He was the victim of a ridiculously low .176 batting average on balls in play, .110 points below his career mark, and at least a few Statcast numbers suggest he deserved better during his final month-plus with the Angels. For instance, Pujols’ .347 expected weighted on-base average far outdoes his .270 wOBA.
Considering Pujols’ weak bottom-line production over the past few seasons, this signing may not amount to much for the Dodgers. But it’s a low-risk move for the Dodgers, who will pay him the prorated minimum salary, and it gives Pujols an opportunity to chase his third World Series ring as he nears the end of his marvelous career.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Why though
What a silly signing. He is horrible and will be of no use. I look forward to his release in one month. Hopefully this means Dodgers continue to stink.
Continue to stink? Defending WS champs w/8 consecutive division titles??? Many teams would LOVE to stink like that!!!! Lol
He was probably talking about the current 3rd place Dodgers continuing to suck this year
Why are you chirping? The cardinals have a half-game better record. Scary!
And you fools employ Matt Carpenter, who’s even worse than Albert has been in 2021. And there’s reason to believe Pujols has been unlucky this year. Matty is just terrible
Carpenter is now a RP, Albert a RIP
Knew it! All you “count out all NL teams” were wrong!
Well… you sure got us good!
Gonna be a party tonight!!!
I proved I know more about free agency than you, I guess?
A’sfaninUK –
Try not to break your arm patting yourself on the back
Everyone knew it would be a horrible signing. No chance he makes it till the end of the year. Dodgers will need the roster spot. You can’t afford to carry a DH bar in the NL not when you need to carry 9,10 RP. I’ll remember your name now though. Screen shot every single post of yours and when your wrong I’ll let you know. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. You aren’t mystic marty he’s a legend of Twitter.
A’sfaninUK:
Being right about one thing is far from knowing more about free-agency than those that thought differently.
Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
The problem isn’t that he wouldn’t go to an NL team, it’s that he shouldn’t have gone to an NL team. Factoring in that he said he didn’t want to be a bench bat, it was a nonsensical move. With the info that he’d happily be a bench bat then a lot more people would have said an NL team was an option. He wouldn’t be in the NL if he was still insisting on starting.
To sit on the bench except pinch hit and dh vs AL teams?
Guess he was gonna do that on the other side of town also. Might as well play for the team in town that is good.
That is totally crazy, on the Dodgers part. And horrible for Albert’s Real Estate agent!
Replacing the injured Edwin Diaz.
Replacing the retired Edwin Jackson.
Replacing the dead Edwin Hubble
Replacing the never existed Rupert T. Saxifrage…
Replacing the fictional Rufus T. Firefly…
Replacing the injured Edwin Rios.
Hahaha holy crap. I guess he’s ring-chasing.
And he gets 4 more games in St. Louis this September before his career is over (assuming he’s still on the roster by then).
Holy crap what if the Dodgers and Cards meet in the playoffs?
It’s not an issue. If the Dodgers and Cards meet, he will not be there. Who would take a playoff roster spot with him?!!
He’ll demand it and then Big Papi will say he deserves it.
LOL. To the exact point.
ring chasing? what would the alternative be?
Detroit.
Yea I mean I dont know how u can fault the guy for signing with the dodgers when they offered him the contract lol.
Angels are footing the bill on Alberts contract
Yea but the dodgers still are paying him 420k, they easily could have not been interested but they signed him. If you were in his position without a lot of options I think ur taking the money from the team that gives you the best chance to win one more ring at this late stage of his career.
Cubsforever22:
I don’t think anyone is faulting Pujols, just questioning how wise this is on the part of the Dodgers.
Kudos on this signing. Wished the Pads would have beat them to it.
Nobody had to beat anyone. They had a week to do it.
He became a free agent 2 days ago…
Since the Padres are up on the Dodgers right now the Dodgers would get first crack
He wasn’t claimed. Claim order means nothing
If the Padres had claimed him, they would have been on the hook to pay his full salary. Once he cleared waivers, any team could sign him…there’s no waivers priority for a free agent.
Good for both parties.
Dodgers get a veteran to perhaps help that clubhouse.
Ole Man Pujols has a shot at another ring to close out his career.
Help the clubhouse? Pujols was nothing but a selfish AJols in Anaheim.
My, how people turn on guys in a hurry, especially after so much money spent for an aging player.
Im an Angels fan and watched most games.
Pujols was only interested in his HR chase. He wouldnt even try to advance runners.
He had a meltdown when he was told he would be benched.
Didnt run out his outs.
In the selfish haze he lives in he couldnt understand that Ohtani and Walsh were far better than him.
Or maybe after 9 years of playing for the Angels he figured out that winning wasn’t an organizational priority.
I don’t think the Angels fail to prioritize winning. They try. It’s just that they go about it by handing out dumb contracts like the one they gave him, and they’re too too heavy to win. It’s a strategy that fails every time, yet half the fan base wants their team to do it every off season.
I don’t know man. The Angels have been in business for 60 years and have franchise winning percentage of .499. That actually isn’t that bad considering expansion teams in the 60’s and 70’s mostly all struggled for several years before gaining a footing. I am aware that what happened 60 yrs ago has little bearing on the current club, but to me the Angels have just always been an also ran. They had a great run in the early aughts and not much else. In all professional sports, the franchises that are serious about winning find a way to do so consistently. The Angels do just what you said. They try. But the process is broken. You can’t buy a consistent winner. Plenty have tried, plenty have failed. It isn’t new information. Especially in this era of advanced metrics, talent evacuation is less of an art and more of a science. The processes that go into developing that talent are a little more subjective, but other teams have systems that work. The Angels just write checks and generate headlines. But go ahead and blame Pujols.
“He mentored me throughout my career so far. Everything you can accomplish, on a baseball field, he’s done I can go up to him and talk about anything. If I was struggling at the plate, he knows the perfect time to come up and throw something out. He has that feel. I can’t thank him enough. He was an unbelievable person and unbelievable friend to me.”
-Mike Trout
If there is baseball in 2022, which is looking bleak, there will most likely be an NL DH rule. You can count on him getting another season in StL.
hardly a given
You really think the owners and players are that stupid to even think about going on strike next year? They lost 3 billion last year and will lose $$$$ again this year with reduced fans. in the stands. Both sides are talking real big right now but they both know what a third year of reduced revenue will mean to both parties.
DODGER JR. –
Yes, I do think they are that stupid. They’ve proved it time and time again. In fact, it would be stupid to think they weren’t stupid
@KCJ
You beat me to it. I think we all will be stunned if by some miracle they avoid a work stoppage this Winter. Well, everyone except Dodger Jr.
There hasn’t been a work stoppage since 1994. There is a lot of animosity building up between the sides but there is also a lot of common ground between the sides. There will be expanded playoffs and the universal DH. It all comes down to the money split. I expect Spring Training to start on time.
Trout27 –
You could probably make a whole lot of money in Las Vegas with that line of thinking, should it actually happen. And there was actually a “work stoppage” just last year, if you don’t remember. Maybe that’s not the way they termed it, but that’s what it was. They spent a whole lot of time jerking around while the opportunity to play games just slipped away…
Why is it looking bleak? Lindor didn’t get enough money?
Never understood “veteran leader” or” mentor young players” for everytime a veteran gets released. No one here has ever worked with old a-hole at work. Not everyone is a leader just because they have been on the job longer. Thats why you have coaches and a manager.
So much entertaining me with this comment being said by a poster with this particular screen name of “Lee Mazzilli for HOF”.
Clearly you’ve never worked in a large organization. I’ve considered many past co-workers and superiors “old a-holes” but I’ve also learned a lot from them. Sometimes it’s what not to do in the job. I don’t need to like them or vice versa personally but I do respect them even though we wouldn’t be grabbing beers together.
He’ll be off the roster as soon as Bellinger and McKiinstry come back.
Peters and Raley will be off the roster once they come back.
I’ll take ABs from Pujols over Raley and Peters any day. Those were bad options and so the Dodgers just upgraded there.
Raley and Peters are both OF. Sure, one is gone with the return of Bellinger, but when Mckinstry comes back I doubt they would go with only 4 OF. If they really believe in Pujols they’ll keep one of Raley and Peters, with Neuse the one to go.
Beaty, Betts, McKinstry, Bellinger, Taylor would be my five outfielders. Taylor and McKinstry can also play infield. I would find every way possible to send Peters and Raley back. They need seasoning in the minors.
i think it’s decently smart tbh. already has a fan base in LA. he’s gonna be chasing milestones. dodgers are contenders so can use his veteran presence
dodgers gonna be stealing fans from the angels
To paraphrase the great Harry Doyle/Bob Uecker in Major League 2: “ Well obviously the Dodgers are thinking… actually, I have no idea what they’re thinking!”
You must not watch Dodger games when Peters and Raley come up to the plate. Those are automatic outs. Pujols is clearly an upgrade. Downside is that he’s strictly a pinch hitter.
And you must not have ever watched Pujols play in the last 5 years. The man is an automatic popup or double play. Not to mention he is a human anchor when he reaches base.
Peters has a better wRC+ than Pujols so far this year and Raley is tied @ 73.
He’s been a great hitter against LHP in 2019 and 2021.
Friedman probably wants to platoon him at DH and backup 1B.
That dude is playing chess while MLBTR commenters are playing tic-tac-toe
You know the Dodgers don’t have a DH, right?
He’s the “cryptonerd,” so obviously not.
They will have a DH many times this season.
If you consider 2 to be “many”, I guess you’re right.
The Dodgers only have 2 games remaining in the regular season where a DH is required.
The Cardinals have 10.
Have you never heard of inter league?
He’s a bench piece on a minimum salary.
Not every move is a blockbuster trade but can still help build a winner.
Dude just stfu and hold your L Mr. Checkers. You’re literally dumber than the “commenters” you just tried to diss lol.
It’s a veteran minimum move you idiot
He has a ton of post season experience so it could be for a leadership role in the clubhouse. Teams will also have to throw him more strikes with the loaded dodgers line up, so maybe they’re taking a flyer on that too.
Yeah but all that postseason experience is from over a decade ago.
Loaded Dodger lineup? He hit behind Ohtani, Trout, Rendon and Walsh in Anaheim. Better than any 4 the Dodgers have.
Also the deal wont be official until Monday.
Now here’s a dumb take. They’re better than ANY dodger hitter? Stay trolling Bart
Work on your reading comprehension. Clampdown said pitchers would have to throw more strikes to him. The 4 hitters ahead of him in the Angels lineup are more formidable than any 4 the Dodgers have.
You said the exact same thing, you just changed better to formidable
Work on having valid points before speaking
The dodgers have the deeper lineup. Given that Albert will come in handpicked appearances off the bench, yeah he probably will see more strikes in LA than hitting 5 in an angels lineup with nothing of substance behind him
He’s now going to hit IN FRONT OF Mookie Betts essentially. Not in front of Justin Upton wooooo. It’s quite valid he will see better pitches in LAD than LAA
So not only are you wrong, but you’re trying to fight over it?
Are you serious….????? I’ll give you Trout and Ohtani as being Very, Very Good to Exceptional, but do you forget about Betts, Seager, Turner, Muncy. Rendon has been good in the past , but not this year. Health is probably a good reason for that, Walsh looks to be above average, but let’s see him do for a few seasons b4 you say he is better than any of the 4 I mentioned.
And Upton would be tied for second on the Dodgers..and Pujols hit behind him. The Dodgers do not have a deeper lineup except in the fog of your imagination.
in HRs (Upton)
Hahahaha Bart. Even without the DH, and with a horrendous stretch for 60% of the season the Dodgers are out scoring the angels 5.16 R/pg vs 4.51. The dodgers have the 4th highest RPG. The angels are not in the top 10. And again. They do not have the pitcher hitting
In 2020, LAD led LAA 5.77 to 4.90. Just stop
@mcourt you do realize your comparing a whole team as opposed to comparing the actual hitters mentioned. Just stop dude, if Pujols couldn’t hit in a lineup with the best hitter in baseball what makes you think there will be much difference elsewhere? Are we supposed to believe he is all of a sudden going to find the fountain of youth because he’s in Dodger blue? Not to mention Seager and Pollock are on the IL now.
@laflama, no buddy I’m not stopping. I’m correcting you. you clearly do not understand the idea of lineup protection
When Albert hits at the end of all those great hitters, yes he has lots of RBI chances. But the guys behind him are not threatening mlb hitters. So you can throw garbage to Albert, and he’ll get himself out trying to do something
As a pinch hitter, he will be inserted in spots where the pitcher can’t pitch around him. Next up will be Mookie Betts. Not Justin Upton, or Igesias, or Gosselin or Butera. Those aren’t scary hitters! So why would a pitcher go after Albert?
Add in the underlying numbers that say Albert has been immensely unlucky this year, I think he’s gonna be better with LAD than he was with LAA
Albert Pujols is a 41 year old vet who has had injuries. If not for the contract he’d have retired years ago. He is no longer a viable major leaguer. His OPS+ is 74. That’s unplayable for a backup catcher. Why are folks fighting this obvious reality? (But but but bad luck… but but but pinch hitter… but but but some such nonsense)… there are so many players in the minors that if given a chance would fail no worse than him. It’s like we’re all staring at a lump of coal but half of us keep making excuses as to why it might be a diamond. It’s crazy.
Go look up dj peters, Luke Raley and Sheldon Neuse numbers. Those were “the best” non injured, MLB ready players in the dodger system and they were overmatched. So no, LA didn’t have endless guys to turn to in their system. They weren’t going to trade actual future assets for a fringe bench guy who they need for a month. So they signed a league min vet. Why you so mad about it?
It is honestly funny how upset you and other angels fans are that he’s a dodger and they’re giving him a shot. Gives me a hearty chuckle
I’m not mad about it, I just don’t get the move. Stop projecting emotion onto opinions you disagree with. Have fun with your 25% on base rate and your double plays
Yeah, how has that worked out for you, or him for that matter? Zip, nada, zilch.
@clampdown, if you mean leading by demanding to play 1st base when someone is clearly better than him. That’s horrible leadership.
Yes because the reigning World Series champions are extremely lacking in post season experience.
“reigning World Series champions”
With a ginormous asterisk. 2020 not a real season.
markthedoctor, not a real baseball fan.
Just because they signed him doesn’t mean it’s a good move…he has nothing left
Albert “Lebron James” Pujols.
Dodgers bench is trash right now. Doesn’t hurt to see if Pujols can provide some thump off the bench. Could also allow Muncy to see time at other positions, maybe corner outfield, 3B and 2B.
Plus all it really costs them is the AAA salary of whoever they send down.
If he goes 3-38, then he can maybe see the light and retire gracefully.
People are really short sighted… I totally agree with you. Look no further than Pablo Sandoval to see a dude who has 22 plate appearances as a pinch hitter, with 4 home runs and 4 walks, 10 RBI. He has single handedly won some games for the Braves late. Pujols can be the same thing for the Dodgers. Sandoval has only started one game in the field, and it’s May 15th. Sometimes a guy is just a threat late in the game, and that’s ok.
Signing a washed up vet who should’ve retired years ago and sporting an OPS+ of 74, in the hopes that they’ll provide magic off the bench is utterly foolish. Name recognition doesn’t win games. I predict the Dodgers dump Albert sooner rather than later. He’s the Billy Hamilton of slow, power hitting first baseman at this point.
I thought Pujols didn’t want to be a bench bat…
Not for a last place team.
I mean, you’re not telling me anything new lol. Yeah the Angels haven’t been playing great but it seemed like he was more upset with the fact that he was being benched than playing for them.
I just think riding the pine for a team going no where and riding the pine to get another ring are two different things.
Not wrong
Albert Pujols is still selfish not a team player ride the pine Albert LOL
Soo he rather be one on a team in 3rd?? You sound like a jack**s, the man was selfish and thinks he can extend his career. Angels gave him every single opportunity and then some. The Angels and Dodgers were literally 2 games apart the day he got released. And the way the things are looking rn, Dodgers won’t even make the playoffs altogether genius.
We assumed that. He asked to be cut because his time was being reduced
But being a bench bat in the NL gives him an AB a night. Being a bench bat in Anaheim gives him an at bat every 4 games maybe? There’s a LOT less lineup movement during an AL game
If he knew he couldn’t start, it makes sense to be a bench bat on an NL team he can be more or less guaranteed at least one PA a game, maybe a start here and there too
Bauerbites –
Not for a team that’s given him approximately $200 million dollars for replacement level or below performance. Why be loyal to them?
Not only that… But now he’s a TRADER for going to the Dodgers…wonder how that 10 year service contract with the angels after he “retires” is going to play out
I CALLED IT!!!
I didn’t, but I just wanted to type that and see if I feel any different.
So far, I don’t but I’ll update this post and let everybody know if/when I do.
Lmao. Did not see that one coming
Can he wear #5 as a Dodger? I have no idea if it’s currently in use or retired.
NVM… Corey Seager is wearing it.
I think Seager will give up his #5 for 4 or so months. And I think he should. Who knows if it will work out though.
It will only be 4-5 weeks
Corey Seager wears #5.
If I was Seger I wouldn’t give up the jersey number 5
Bob Seger?
He can’t be worse than DJ Peters and Sheldon Neuse… or maybe he can. What the hell do I know?
Can either of them run!
They can’t hit. Neuse chases all over the zone. In a period of long sample sizes he’s not going to fare well. Raley doesn’t know how to hit breaking pitches. Peters can’t hit MLB pitching period. I see Beaty playing a lot. He has a good approach and a compact swing.
From LAA to LAD
Solid depth move.
Based on what? He can’t hit anymore.
I’m sure “playing time” was a big reason Albert chose the dodgers….. funny
How many at bats do bench guys take in the AL?
How many at bats do bench bats take in the NL?
Wow, did anyone see this coming?
So, the Dodgers must think he has something left in the tank and that maybe his anger over being DFA’s will fuel him to do good things? A PH in situations where only a HR will do?
Pujols is a much better guy to have taking a late game ab than Neuse or Peters.
You mean Mr Double Play?
Not if you have a man on first, automatic double play.
Odd
So, he complained to the Angels about being a limited bench player, only to sign with the Dodgers to be a limited bench player?
Chasing a 3rd world series and easy move.
..according to the Angels. We still haven’t heard his side.
Good for Albert. One of the true good guys in the sport. If I had to guess, he probably could have found more playing time with an AL team like Detroit, Baltimore, etc.. but instead he gets to go to a winning club, doesn’t have to move and will fit in seamlessly on a club full of stars. He will have to swallow his pride a little bit and get used to riding the bench, but he can still help the team a lot by just being in the clubhouse. If he’s able to stick on the roster for the full season and earn a ring at the end of the season, it’s the perfect ending to a Hall of Fame career. He wasn’t going to get that going back to St. Louis.
Cardinals are a better team right now than the dodgers. Not sure what your point is.
Do you actually believe that themed…….?
Dude, I’m a Cards fan, but it’s May.
Good guy? Lied about his age, puts his own desires to play over needs of the team, sounds like a terrible guy.
“Terrible.” You’re an idiot.
“He will have to swallow his pride a little bit and get used to riding the bench…”
He couldn’t do that in Anaheim. Can’t wait to hear about the clubhouse fights.
On a last place team he expected to play more; especially a team with a DH spot and one where they are using players worse than he is. Quite simple…
Who are they using at DH that’s worse than him?
No one. People are deluded thinking that Albert has any value at all now. He can’t hit. He’s not an upgrade for anyone. He’s a player who would have retired years ago but for the contract. Its all pretty ridiculous
Didn’t see this coming. I guess they hope he fills a role like Sandoval for the Braves but he’s a poor fit for an NL roster at this point.
Too bad! Do not want to see a repeat of Willie Mays, at the end of his career! Someone broken down and a ham and egger minus as a player! At least he is a great person! Cannot take that away from him!
45, is that you?
You can’t fix stupid.
Testify.
Lol wut
This will last less than a month.
Anybody who placed that bet made some serious money.
Wait I thought the reason he was let go was because he wanted to start and not be a bench player. I guess not…should have been honest and just admitted the Angels won’t make the playoffs and he wanted a better chance at one final ring.
Nah you just assumed that’s what he said
He wanted to play. Being a bench guy in the AL is one step from retirement. At least in the nl he will hit nightly at least 1 time
He will only hit against lhp
alright then
Dodgers trying to peacock and put out the smartest guy in the room vibe. Rest of the league praying Albert gets regular PT. Who wouldn’t tune in to watch the final days of a decrepit pujols crash and burn? Snakes & Rox in the passing lane too?
I’ve been watching Albert crash and burn for years, it’s not must see tv.
I hope Dave Roberts realizes that Albert can barely play 1B let alone anywhere else in the field before he puts him in CF or SS
perfect spot other than TB. will just rotate in probably twice a week
This just in…..Bob Baffert is on his way to Chavez Ravine
For those who think Pujols brings leadership….I’m not so sure he does. By demanding to remain an everyday player at the expense of two higher performing young guys, he showed me that he values padding his own stats over the team. That isn’t good leadership to me.
He and Trout always shared insights about opposing pitchers, etc. But Pujols seems more intent on reminding most other players that he is a legend and future HOF’er and they should be kissing his rear end.
You make all these accusations, yet teammates and opponents alike seem to enjoy seeing and talking with Pujols
You don’t like the guy. We get it. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t have certain qualities. You’ve proven nothing. “Yeah he was great friends with the best player on his team, but there’s other stuff I can’t specify!”
Either get some more concrete info or stop spewing nonsense as if it’s fact
IMHO, Pujols is a prima donna that was only approachable by a select few teamates (Trout and Aybar come to mind)….while the vast majority were expected to keep their distance and kiss his rear end. Beside Trout, I never saw him take an interest in helping younger players. That’s just not his personality. So, if you’re hoping for leadership from this guy…..good luck with that.
If you don’t like me sharing my take on things…..which was formed while watching Pujols play and interact with teammates in over a thousand games…..well, that’s too bad.
So all you did was add another guy Pujols was close with? That’s your evidence? Pujols already has a lot of respect in LAD because of his work with Joc and Joc’s brother with autism
But hey, you have an opinion with zero actual backing you can point to. That works too
Shocking! Also shocking that Pujols is only a 10 time All Star. I really would have expected more.
truthlemonade: “..shocking that Pujols is only a 10 time All Star. I really would have expected more.”
9 with St. Louis in 11 seasons, 1 with Angels in in 9 years (2015).
This is amazing, and I never would’ve guessed it…
I know the Dodgers do a lot of charity work, so that along with the caliber of the club was definitely what made Pujols “choose” them. Oh, and he has to drive an extra 30 miles lol.
Maybe they can work their magic with his bat and get some extra production out of him, but I doubt it. Who knows, but I like the move.
Lol, the Dodgers signing Albert IS charity work!
Doesn’t want restricted playing time on the Angels, but signs with the Dodgers? Come on, buddy. Angels got screwed from a PR standpoint. Pujols is the jerk here.
Minor detail, but I wonder what number he’ll wear?
Be funny if he got like some spring training #… be a good look for him tbh lol what screams “I know my role” better than wearing number 91
If the Dodgers were able to fix Turner, Muncy, Kike, Taylor, Neuse than they can do the same with Pujols.
How did the Dodgers fix Neuse? He’s a bad hitter. Hitting below 0.200 and 0.541 OPS. Problem right now is that they’ve had three guys taking up roster spots who should not be in MLB. Raley, Peters and Neuse. That’s tough. Add Barnes in there and pitcher spot and not surprising why they’ve had so many games with little production. Too many easy outs.
theodore glass:
The Dodgers didn’t fix Turner. He fixed himself, by training with Marlon Byrd and Doug Latta, before he came to the Dodgers, as a non-roster invitee. He had success in ST, and it was a no-brainer for the Dodgers to give him a roster spot.
This is a sign Gavin lux will get less opportunities and muncy will slide over to 2nd.. Dodgers have a way to take hitters off scrap heap and turn them into hitters so pujols may be a great signing for them
I doubt that. I see Pujols primarily as a bench bat. Dodgers are very thin in that department. Sure, once in a while he may fill in at 1B but doubt that will happen much.
I will split the difference and say that Pujols may pinch hit for Lux in late 2-out situations when they are losing and need power.
I know everyone beats off to WAR and all so 2016 was the last time Pujols was good right? 2019 Top-50 in HR, RBI, Slug% and 53rd in OPS. I know stats that don’t matter.
Well if he hits home runs for the Dodgers they’ll actually matter bc that them will at worst be in the playin game, unlike the Angels.
If you’re going by fWAR the last time he was at a level you could arguably consider, “good”, was 2014.
I wonder how this impacts his ability to moonlight making keys.
Pretty sure they did this to mess with Arte. He pays all Pujols’ salary while playing with the Dodgers
Yeah that makes sense. I’m sure Moreno will be laying away nights wondering how he let this happen.
Pretty sure Friedman and the Dodgers in general couldn’t care less about Moreno and the Angels.
The Dodgers best move to try and catch the Padres..
I wouldn’t get too excited about this. He will hit a few HRs and not much else. Not sure it makes the Dodgers better.
He is a below replacement level hitter at this point in his career. He is actually making the Dodgers worse while taking up a 40 man roster spot. I love it.
This is awesome really. Beast case scenario. Was never the biggest booholes fan but he was a hard nose angel and it would be rad to see him go across the street and play well after the way it ended in Anaheim.
So Albert didn’t want to stay with the Angels to be a bench bat but is joining the Dodgers to be a bench bat. There has to be more to the story. Lol
He overplayed his hand with the Angels and now he’s in no position to demand everyday playing time from any team.
You do realize they still let the Detroit Tigers play in the MLB, right?
Yeah, but they already have Miggy.
He has a chance for a ring with the Dodgers by being a bench player, whereas he had no chance with LAA.
I thought the whole point was he didn’t want to be a bench player? He’s basically going to be a pinch hitter for LAD
Plans change when you get cut. Reality sinks in. Beggars can’t be choosers.
If he can swallow some pride and realize what he is at this age… what a weapon off bench imo w ZERO risk for Dodgers. Why not?
MetsMosLoyal2″ … what a weapon off bench imo w ZERO risk for Dodgers. Why not?”
I guess the risk is in giving a roster spot to a guy that has been a below replacement level over the last six seasons. It wouldn’t take much to bring in someone else who could be expected to help the team more. You also don’t know how Pujols’ act is going to play with team chemistry. He can be a bit of a prima donna.
Actually like this move. With how the game backlashed against LAA for releasing him instead of letting him end out the year, they get good PR for letting him on the squad. LAD might take a few LAA fans away from them. Regardless, they get to have another HOF retire a Dodger, and he’ll serve as a leader to a great group of players. Who knows, maybe the change of pace will even help him produce a tiny bit at the plate. Good move
abenoltj: “..they get to have another HOF retire a Dodger”
Do you really think that’s how it works?
Pujols will NOT retire a Dodger. Most likely he will be in the HOF as a Cardinal, possibly as an Angel (doubtful). But as a Dodger, never.
His glory days were in St. Louis. The fans there still adore him for being a cost controlled superstar with rings and MVP trophies to show for it. I’ve always assumed he would go into the hall as a Cardinal….and that’ show it should be. That’s where he earned it.
And remember that it’s the HOF that makes the final decision. No way do they put Albert in the Hall as a Dodger.
Pete’sView –
Is there really anyone on the planet that seriously thought he’d go into the Hall as a Dodger, even if it was his option?
Unfortunately, yes; see one of the above comments.
@Pete’sView @Sealbeach Comber
If he retires after this season, then he will technically retire a Dodger. That has nothing to do with what team he will represent in the HOF.
This is a bad look for Albert. So he refuses to take a part time role, the Angels are cool to work with him and PAY HIM to find an opportunity, and he just takes a part time job? So he basically just made the Angels pay him to go play for a better team. He’s going out looking like a bad guy, at least to this fan.
He has one thing on his mind, to go out with a championship. Not sure he has anything left though.
So Albert forces the Angels hand by demanding to be a starter at first base or DH even though better and younger options are preferred by the club. He will not accept a bench role and subsequently tells the team that gave him $240M for 10 years of mediocrity to release him. The team down the freeway that is a rival to the Angels and his former team, the Cardinals, signs him as…a bench player.
Classy, Albert.
Dirkg –
Well said, my friend. My thoughts exactly.
The leader thing is all well and good, but he needs to produce more than he has recently. If not, he is dead weight for a team going for a championship.
L.M.F.A.O.
He’ll be a pinch hitter with fewer starts at 1B with LAD than at 1B/DH with Anaheim. Kind of sad way for a legend to go out. I would have expected him to retire without getting a starting job offer
I think, more than anything else, the signing of Pujols gives the Dodgers versatility with Max Muncy. And Pujols costs LA almost nothing b/c the Angels are on the hook for most of Albert’s salary.
Maybe, in return for getting a roster spot, Pujols promised to go to the HOF as a Dodger. AP gets to pad his counting stats and a shot at a ring. The Dodgers get to screw over the Cardinals.
@sealbeach Comber
That’s not the way the Hall of Fame works. The Hall of Fame makes the choice, one based on sound reasoning and history of the player with that team. It would never be the Dodgers.
I know, I was just joking…..
But I always thought player preferences were taken into account. For example, Vlad Guererro made Angels fans happy when he “decided” to go into the hall as a Halo.
I think they changed the rule after Boggs chose the Rays
So, let me see if I get this correct. Pujols was livid with Angels front office and Maddon when told his playing time would be reduced. He basically forces the Angels to release him as he sees himself as an everyday player, only to sign with the team up the highway to sit on the bench and play significantly less than if he had stayed with the Angels. Seems like Pujols should have thought this through a little better.
@orange2001,
I’m sure he did and made his decision accordingly. He gets to stay home, play on the 2020 World Series champs, and probably acknowledges that he can’t get a job on a winning team to be every day player. And even if he could and was offered, he signed with the Dodgers because that’s where he wants to be.
@LongTimeFann1 very doubtful that this is how Pujols planned it. It’s more like he got very frustrated when left out of the lineup and things escalated quickly (going past the point of no return) leading to his release—the Angels called his bluff. I’m sure that if Pujols could go back in time, he would have shut his mouth and just be grateful to start as much as he did on the Angels.
If players could go back in time…….they might reconsider playing for the Angels after Gene Autry left the building……….
Lol Gene is Great! All the things I never knew……
You probably couldn’t be more wrong
De donde esta?
VERY INTERESTING!!!!!! Remember he is almost free for the Dodgers, league minimum Angles will pay him for the most part. Plus we have seen players make similar moves only to be DFA’ed a second time.. Can the Dodgers catch lightening in a bottle……. Who in the world knows, BUT “IF” he can be even a little bit of himself in a key game for a hit or homer he will pay for himself…….. IF…………. IF the DH comes to the National League next year Albert will be a Cardinal, yet…..
called it in the other thread lol
too tempting to replace neuse and peters w his bat and punk arte for 30ish million ahahaha
Still doesnt strike out a lot
True. But he hits into more double-plays than any player I’ve ever seen. At least a strikeout only causes one out.
I wonder if he’ll go into the HOF now as a Dodger?
Jesseautomodesto –
I know your comment HAS to be simple trolling, but it did remind me of an old saying we used to say as kids….”when god was giving out brains, you thought he said trains and took the next one out of town”
Rude
Dodgers are in panic mode. Obviously, the Giants and Padres are an ocean of difference right now in terms of talent. Nice watching this ship sunk.
Signing with the Dodgers sticks it to the Angels, and Angels fans who have to deal with Pujols playing in same locale, 26 miles apart.
Pujols also gets to stay in same home.
Actually, it’s more like he’ll be sticking it to the Dodgers when he causes them to loss even more. Angels open up a roster spot and Dodgers continue to lose. Win win for Halo fans. Lol
What’s Pujols’ number going to be ? Corey Seager is 5. Does Seager take it off for a year ?
What number will he wear?
50
His real age
69
Somewhere between 43 and 46
Is there an element of “in your face!” at play here between Arte and the Dodgers?
I hope not. Moreno has a huge and fragile ego…..he’ll overpay an aging Kershaw in 2022 in a vain attempt to get even.
Arte hasn’t paid a starting pitcher since he got the TV deal. Kershaw will no be an Angel
I see 2 parts to this deal. He can provide the power bat off the bench and as much as despise the Dodgers this might be a classy move. A chance for the farewell tour he deserves.
He’ll be released by the Dodgers too. It won’t take long for them to realize the Pujols experiment isn’t panning out.
I thought the final straw with the Angels was that AP refused to be a part-time player….yet here he is taking a job that will likely see less playing time than he had in Anaheim.
As a die hard fan of the Cardinals I would like to thank the Dodgers. Pujols can stay in L.A. – the dude is like 50 by now but we will never know for sure
Called it!
This is exactly the roll he would have taken with the Angels but preferred to be released? This has ego written all over it.
I’m happy for Pujols, even happier St. Louis stayed away from him.
May all the Dodgers bat in line with Pujols’s batting average for the rest of the season.
I don’t think Albert juiced in St.Louis….did he?
People don’t need evidence to make claims.
Jack Clark accused Pujols, but had to retract his claims to avoid a lawsuit. It has been highly suspected, but no proof that Pujols juiced.
Almost no risk. Probably not much reward either.
The only risk is that the Dodgers are basically playing with a 24-man roster.
So he leaves the Angels because he doesn’t want to be a bench player to sign with the Dodgers to be a bench player?
Better chance at a WS.
Not for the Dodgers. Their chances of repeating just decreased. Pujols is paperweight at this point of his career.
AP, will be riding the bench so much, teammates will be calling him, Your Honor”
Smart pickup as long as Albert knows up front he won’t play everyday. Most likely he signed with the Dodgers to take a shot at another World Series.
Wow. 274 comments and not one of you guys wished the man well.
I for one, hopes he does really, really well. Great in fact………Leads the Dodgers to a WS and looks 700 square in the face.
Why not?
I hope the man does all of this.
I did, go back a few hours.
Gonna delete me, per usual (for no reason)
And they get to troll the Angels.
No honestly. Ticket sales, jersey sales, and a passable bat off the bench against lefties for prorated minimum. Not hard to see why the fit is possible. Pujols literally could pick any team he wants because every team would only offer league minimum. He definitely makes them back more money then spent, and he should fare better against lefties than many of the Dodgers other bench options
300th!
One commenter notes this is a good signing – because he’s got 5 homers in 20 Angels games.
Those were hit in 4 or 5 tries per game. At one hack per night vs. a closer type pitcher, this is your basic false equivalency. If he hits 5 HRs by Oct, as a PH, the Dodgers will ask he postpone retirement for another year or two.
Did not see this whatsoever. Stunned. I don’t think there is much chance he works,out, but if it does that development will shock me less than this signing.
I’m not surprised that someone took a chance on Pujols. Obviously he isn’t the player he once was – not even close – but if he can provide some power off the bench, then why not give him a try? He will cost the Dodgers the prorated league minimum, so there isn’t much of a financial commitment. What surprised me a bit was that it was a National League team that signed him. I would have guessed an AL team would have signed him so he could be an occasional DH. Someone here mentioned that the Dodgers have only two games left in Houston. All the rest of their games will be in NL cities.
Still, it is a low risk, high reward signing by the Dodgers. If he can find even a little of his old skill, their management will look like geniuses. And if he can’t, they’re out only a few hundred thousand. They can well afford it.
It’s a waste of a roster spot. He’s not recapturing anything. That’s not hope. That’s delusion.
LOL…But.. but… but… he cant go to the NFL because they dont have the DH. I love mlbtr. They always thinking in the box.
LOL
Lot’s of conjecture being spouted. First, Angels fans don’t hate Pujols. By all accounts, he is a good man in the clubhouse and in his personal life. We are disappointed that he has cost so much money for very little return. If you spent any time watching him over the last 10 years, you would know that he is not close to the player he was in the first half of his career. He absolutely cannot run and has squashed hundreds of rallies because of that alone (that’s my number). He has had an occasional bright moment at the plate and crushed a pitcher’s mistake, but that is the exception.
Changing uniform colors and driving further up the 5 will not suddenly make him be able to run or see the ball better, etc. Having to DFA such a great player was sad to watch. I believe the Dodgers will have no choice also because he will not retire on his own and he will end up wasting a roster spot down the stretch.
His best scenario from where I sit is to agree to a one day deal with the Cards, let him play his last game in a Cards uniform, and retire gracefully. Then Cooperstown.
That’s my 2 cents.
How old is Albert anyway? Why is there so much mystery about this guy’s age? Odd, in today’s world of personal information documentation, Pujols is in the same hidden age category with Satchel Paige.
Age 41. Born January 16, 1980. Hidden in plain sight right there at the top of his stats page.
Real funny Blue Skies…koolaid – you just reported what they want you to believe…
sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/former-mlb-exec-alber…
Believing Pujols is only 41 – you’re an idiot.
Believing in rumors and conspiracy theories makes you a genius!
There is no evidence he lied about his age whatsoever
Pretty sure the words came from Pujols himself during an interview. Said something about being 12 or 13 when he hit his first homerun and now it’s 28 years later. 28+13=41 and that was like three years ago. I’ve also seen multiple executives talk about the fraud coming out of the Dominican in regards to changing players ages. It would also explain why his last few years were especially terrible, seeing as he had already passed 40.
His last few years were terrible because most players decline once they pass 30. If he is indeed 41, and I see no evidence otherwise, then there’s nothing whatsoever unusual about his decline. Players, even greats, rarely carry their prime much into their 30s and very few are major leaguers at 40. Very, very few.
lol he said it himself. he admitted it, however accidental it may have been. how much more evidence do you need?
I need actual evidence, not hearsay about circumstancial evidence. Maybe he misspoke. If that’s your evidence I still believe Albert.
Dodgers…
Believing Pujols is only 41 –
Slandering people without evidence
I gotta say, This is one of the more amusing comments collections (350 and counting) that I’ve seen in here in awhile in MLBTR.
But being real…Pujols is one of the best hitters I’ve ever seen this past generation and it’s been tough watching his decline the past decade. Kept hoping he’d turn things around with the Angels, and though I’m not a Dodgers fan I’ll wish him success in LA.
Literally pointless … very weird signing. Conspiracy much?
From a reliable source:
Angels called Pujols in to discuss his future. They clearly and understandably outlined their plan, which included him being reduced to a pinch hitter and occasional 1B or DH in favor of Walsh/Ohtani..The Angels offered him a wonderful send off year, with ceremonies honoring his amazing accomplishments. Pujols got pissed, started yelling and screaming that he’s still an everyday player. The Angels disagreed and decided they would eat $30,000,000.and allow Albert to prove it.
Albert hits free agency and is shocked to find that the only jobs available to him are as a pinch hitter and occasional 1B or DH, same role that was offered to him with the Angels.
Past greatness and off the field activity duly noted, but the guy has proven to be a prideful jackwad. Angels paid him $114mil in 2017-2021 for -1.8WAR. He tarnished his image with this move.
Difference is the Dodgers have a shot at the world series and the Angles likely don’t(as usual)
This is Steve Carlton with the Twins and Indians. It will be mercifully short unless LA allows Pujols to ride it out for awhile for some undisclosed purpose. He’ll start 3 times, make an error, go 2 for 17 and clog the bases with his 2 walks.
Past-washed-up Carlton stwice in 1987, one start with each of the above teams against the same foe. I can still picture it vividly. and seeing the ghost of a legend felt a privilege.
.
Watching Albert Pujols at the plate is one thing, but during his GIDP’s watching him try to run is not in the same poetic motion as was Steve Carlton delivering moon-rockets to nondescript lessers in 1987. This is more like the preserved remains of Babe Ruth being gurneyed to the plate. Watching Albert run is how you would run if doing your very best not to let your feet touch the ground. Try it sometime.
I get it with each guy who won’t go away. Hang on until the last torn shreds of that St. Paul Saints uniform no longer legally cover the bits. Play until the last club allows you. Even Miggy. Play until they won’t give you any more per diem.
My gripe is with teams trotting them out there. With rare exception, I do not want to see it and not from a team like LA. Do better. Go unearth and polish another hidden minor league gem RH 1B like the magicians you are.
I never forgot those Carlton starts. Not sad, but rather beautifully nostalgic. He was in the exact same physical shape and condition, I’m sure he was still ricing with Gus Hoefling somewhere, and he featured the exact same graceful and flowing Jim Palmer-like delivery. Results? Rockets red glare.
Watching him warm up between innings, you’d never sense what he had lost. Albert today? Hard to watch.
Sweet geeeesus we need a characters limit on this site.
Wow. You haters are pathetic… We’re talking about a man with 650 bombs. A career BA well above .300. 3 MVP Awards & Two Rings. Also, he’s an extremely high performance professional athlete; if he were no good at all (like most of you have written) then he wouldn’t be IN. THE. MAJORS. You aren’t kept at the highest level of the sport if you can’t cut it, regardless of the past… He can run faster than y’all. Jump higher than y’all. And can launch 98 mph fastball’s 430 ft.
Wake up & have some respect. Great addition for both parties.
Daniel, for four years he’s been less than replacement level, that means that some kid in AAA or AA could have been better. Respect is given and it is noted.
“You aren’t kept at the highest level of the sport if you can’t cut it, regardless of the past”
Unless you have a $30,000,000 contract and are a prideful jerk.
He is still “IN. THE. MAJORS.” because of the money owed to him. Not. Because. He. Can. Still. Play. … he hasn’t cut it for years, but that’s just every stat available backing that up so…
100% Danieley3. These people have no idea. The Dodgers do.
Danieley3 –
Sometimes haters are haters for a legitimate reason. Sometimes haters were never haters until a person gives them a perfectly good reason to be one. You can respect what the man did 10 years ago, and still be angry for what he’s done in the last week or so. Some people have the ability to feel both ways.
Got an ex-wife? Still love her because of all the wonderful things she did for you before the divorce? If not, I’m sure you’ll experience something like this eventually in your lifetime.
You still mad @ the Sunshine Band KC?
How long after signing a major league deal does a player end up on the roster? Is there a min/max for how long a team can wait after the deal is done?
It’s official the day the contract gets signed. So he is part of the Dodgers team today. Whether or not he’s in uniform and on the bench tonight is a different story. They could place him on the IL if he has an ‘injury’ or they could play a man down and allow him to join the team tomorrow.
Not official, but It looks like he might be in the lineup against Bumgarner tonight with Muncy starting at either 2B or 3B. No way Muncy sits because he’s on a tear and Madbum is his boy.
Reduced playing time – something he has accepted over the past couple years despite throwing a fit because his playing time was being reduced this year.
His statement seems to pointedly thank his Angels teammates, Angels fans, and Andrew Friedman, Dave Roberts, and the Dodgers organization, but not Arte Moreno, John Caprino, or the Angels organization that paid him $240 million.
Although it is never fun to see I think any aging ballplayer (athlete except boxing) if they wish can stay in for as long as someone will let them play; not good for rookies and all that I get the criticism but they earned the right to play even if it makes no sense.
Its hard for any “warrior” to just walk away from the sport and I get it can get ugly.
Lets just hope for Albert’s sake he either finishes strong or decides to finish on his own.
It’s hard to imagine a roster spot for him once Bellinger, McKinstry, Pollock, and Seager return. Matt Beaty will have a hard time sticking even though he’s been raking. Granted, other players can get hurt. Even then, Pujols doesn’t have much value on the Dodgers because they’re loaded with guys who can play multiple positions. If I was guessing where Pujols might end up, the Dodgers would have been my last choice. It makes me think Friedman has something else up his sleeve, though I can’t imagine what.
They guaranteed him a spot for the rest of the season dude.
No way they renege on that unless he’s flat out horrible, which he won’t be.
He’s right handed power off the bench which they lack, even when the whole team is healthy.
Which makes me think another move might be forthcoming.
Nobody is guarenteed any position, a roster spot, or playing time in baseball, not Albert Pujols, not anybody. Pujols was totally clear that he’s there to do whatever is asked of him by the Dodgers.
Ahhh, classic. Thanks for the speech, coach, but it happens all the time with free agents, as he was.
No way a future HOF’er goes to LA if he thinks there’s a chance he’ll get DFA’d again, unless he’s horrible, as I mentioned above.
But yeah he’s gonna pinch hit and spot start as The team sees fit.
Why not admit you totally made something up and got caught?
You have no idea how pro baseball works it’s very clear. This isn’t high school lil fella.
So you aren’t going to admit you totally made something up and got caught?
You’re right about one thing, this isn’t high school. No getting away with that kind of nonsense when the adults are paying attention.
Lil fella mad. Welcome to the real world son.
He already IS “flat out horrible”… I predict he’s cut sooner rather than later
“Yeah, thanks for the $240 million that crippled the franchise due to my complete lack of performance, but I’m gonna quit on you guys in the middle of the last year and go down the road where I’ll get even less playing time. But really guys, you’ve meant so much to me”
Surprised to learln that with a world-wide pandemic killing millions, India desperate with disease and the ME exploding, God is concerned with having someone sign Albert Pujols
Yes & He cares about you too man 🙂
Is there a limit to him much and where God spreads his concern?
Imagine last year during the Dodgers World Series celebration someone told you on May 17th, 2021, Albert Pujols will be hitting clean-up for this club.
First bat for Dodgers looks a lot like his AB’s for the Angels…..all-or-nothing swings for the fences. It kind of makes sense for a guy that can’t run anymore.
And how about his second at-bat, when he went up the middle and drove in one of the three runs the Dodgers scored in a 3-1 win?
If I were a Dodgers fan, I would be encouraged by the fact that he actually was going for the single. In Anaheim, especially this season,, he was hacking for the fences regardless the situation.
Did the DFA wake him up a bit? Or was he just being good because he was allowed to hit cleanup in a game that drew national attention? Either way, he wasn’t willing to do such things for the team that has paid him huge $$$ for 10 years.
If he does great for the Dodgers, that’s fine with me. But he was terrible and selfish on the Angels and I’m glad he’s not our problem anymore.
Already a very valuable rbi for Albert & the Dodgers in a very close game.
When you look up the definition of professional in the dictionary his name is first. Maybe not what he once was but if you look back to past world series champions they always had one guy that could come off the bench and put together an at bat. Can’t stand the Dodgers but you may look back to May and say that was a smart pick up. This coming from a Giants fan……
*Fixed
“The 51-year-old hasn’t produced much”
dude can take a pitch for his second rbi. wtg pooju
Pujols wants a third WS ring.
He wants some redemption.
For the Dodgers, at the worst it is a major league pro-rated salary for the rest of the season.
Go for it Albert!