Dodgers: Could Albert Pujols Be the Next David Freese?
Future Hall-of-Famer Albert Pujols has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pujols was designated for assignment by the Angels last week and cleared waivers this past Thursday. Meaning, the Dodgers will pay him the league minimum, about $430,000, with the Orange County Angels picking up the rest of the $30M tab.
The Dodgers have had success in the past with respected, veteran players on the back-end of their careers. Pujols fills the David Freese-Chase Utley mold of grizzled graybeard who will provide additional locker room leadership.
For the year, Pujols is hitting just .192/.250/.372. Despite that, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and team president Andrew Friedman must be hoping that Pujols can provide quality at-bats in a pinch-hitting role. Much like Freese and Utley.
Pujols seemed unwilling to do it for the Angels, but his apprehension could have been the culmination of deeper frustrations with his former employer.
He will join a championship roster on a stable, and professional, Dodgers franchise. Not to mention, greatly reduced expectations.
Pujols Adds Depth to Thin Bench
A lineup decimated by injuries could surely use another bat. Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry remain out. Lefty slugger Edwin Rios is slated for season ending shoulder surgery. Although Sheldon Nuese, Luke Raley, and DJ Peters have filled in to their best abilities, they’ve shown their youth in a few crunch time at-bats this season.
On top of pinch-hitting duties, Pujols pencils in as the DH for inter-league contests and could spell Max Muncy at first as needed.
Final Thoughts
To be clear, Pujols is far, far, removed from the days of winning league MVPs. His sub-.200 batting average isn’t pretty and there may not be all that much in the tank.
But, like Freese and Utley, he may just be here for one crucial October at-bat.
Dodgers Hoping to Send Cody Bellinger on a Rehab Assignment Next Week
A big mistake, Pujols is now an embarrassment.
His ego has taken over, which often happens to over-the-hill players who refuse to leave.
He can no longer hit, and is a beached whale in the field.
There are many minor leaguers that could be called up and do no worse than Pujols and they would get valuable big league experience.
No.
What can I say about Albert Pojols. He has already smacked a few hits and one homerun. I think he offers not only slugging but hopefully a player who can instruct the younger talent. If anything Albert Pojols has earned the right to play for records he needs in Most hits, most homeruns runs, the most in everything. You keep this man in the line-up out of respect. I believe he has a few more to come. He has achieved what few have done in this sport.