In 24 games for the Angels this season, Albert Pujols hit five home runs and contributed 12 RBI. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire

Albert Pujols signs with Los Angeles Dodgers

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Johnson | Last updated 5/15/21

Albert Pujols is signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, joining one of the best teams in MLB just days after his release by the Los Angeles Angels.

Pujols was designated for assignment on May 6, with Los Angeles granting the 41-year-old’s request to be released. Angered over not being an everyday player. the future Hall of Famer reportedly called out manager Joe Maddon, leading to the organization parting ways with him.

BREAKING: The Dodgers and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols are in agreement on a major-league deal for the remainder of the season, per source.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) May 15, 2021

A 10-time All-Star selection and three-time NL MVP, Pujols received limited interest from a few teams. Ultimately, with no club offering him the opportunity to start, he opted to sign with the club that offered him the best chance at winning a third World Series title.

In 24 games for the Angels this season, Pujols hit five home runs and contributed 12 RBI. But the aging slugger also posted a .198/.250/.372 slash line and was losing at-bats to better hitters. In the final season of Pujols' 10-year, $253 million contract, the Angels finally moved on from one of their biggest free-agent busts.

Pujols will serve as a right-handed bat off the bench for the Dodgers. With multiple hitters on the injured list, Pujols should see a few at-bats every week. He currently has the fifth-most home runs (667) in MLB history, 29 behind Alex Rodriguez.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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