Oakland A’s: Let’s not even think about Albert Pujols
Now that Albert Pujols has been released by the Angels, there will be plenty of speculation as to where he will end up. Fingers will be put to keyboards as writers inscribe their thoughts on why the future Hall of Famer should be on their team. But let us put an end to that with the Oakland A’s.
Very simply, there is no reason to even consider Pujols in Oakland. The last thing that the roster needs is an aging veteran who is unable to produce at areas that are not a need.
Oakland A’s do not need Albert Pujols
There is no questioning Pujols’ place in history. He is one of the greatest players ever to put on a uniform, a no doubt first ballot Hall of Famer. He has produced a lifetime .298/.376/.545 batting line, collecting 3253 hits as he belted 667 homers and 669 doubles while driving in 2112 runs. A ten time All Star and three time MVP, he ranks in the top five all time in homers, doubles, and RBI.
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But those days of productivity are long in the past. He has not been an above average hitter in terms of OPS+ since 2016, and has not driven at least 100 runs since 2017. His production this season – a .198/.250/.372 batting line with five homers in 92 plate appearances – has been mediocre at best.
One can almost understand an argument for a team looking to bring Pujols on board. He still has some pop in the bat, and if he would accept a bench role, could be a valuable option. However, Pujols still thinks he can be a starter despite all the evidence staring him in the face. That is why he was let go by the Angels as his playing time was set to decrease.
But that does not mean that the A’s should be interested. They do not need an aging first baseman/designated hitter type with bad feet clogging their roster. Even if the worst was to happen, and both Matt Olson and Mitch Moreland land on the Injured List, Pujols should not be a consideration.
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There will be plenty of rumors surrounding Albert Pujols in the coming days. The Oakland A’s should not be a part of his market whatsoever.