More On: albert pujols
Albert Pujols, Chris Paul latest to prove old guys rule
Albert Pujols signing with Dodgers after Angels release
Does anybody want Albert Pujols on the cheap?
Albert Pujols’ sad Angels ending is latest mega-deal warning: Sherman
Angels done with ‘upset’ Albert Pujols after dreadful start to season
Pujols became a free agent and can sign with any team. The Angels remain responsible for his $30 million salary in the final season of a $240 million, 10-year contract.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Albert Pujols was released by the Los Angeles Angels after clearing waivers on Thursday, one week after the 41-year-old star slugger was designated for assignment.
Pujols became a free agent and can sign with any team. The Angels remain responsible for his $30 million salary in the final season of a $240 million, 10-year contract. A team signing the first baseman and designated hitter would pay only a prorated share of the $570,500 major league minimum, which would be offset against what the Angels owe him.
Pujols is hitting .198 with a .622 OPS this season with five homers and 12 RBIs in 92 plate appearances.
He is fifth in major league history with 667 homers and 13th with 3,253 hits. A three-time NL MVP and two-time World Series champion with St. Louis, Pujols has a .298 career average and .921 OPS. He is a 10-time All-Star and had been the oldest active player in the major leagues.
Pujols was in a 7-for-43 slump at the time he was cut.
He batted .328 with a 1.037 OPS in St. Louis, but hit .256 with a .758 OPS in Anaheim along with 222 homers.
This story originally appeared on: NyPost - Author:Associated Press