10/23/2021; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman, Albert Pujols, 55, warms up before taking on the Atlanta Braves in the 2021 NLCS sixth game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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Albert Pujols has his plans for the 2022 season. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman wants to continue his career and even play in the Dominican Winter League this off-season to show that he still has something in his tank.
The fact that he’s looking for a team for the coming season is a bit surprising. Pujols seemed finished when he was released from the Angels, an aging thug that just had nothing left to offer. That perception changed when he signed with the Dodgers, as he demonstrated that, under the right circumstances, he could still be a respectable power beater.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman Albert Pujols could have a market if …
After wriggling with the Angels in 2021, Pujols found his life as a platoon first baseman and pinch hitter with the Dodgers. He posted a respectable .254 / .299 / .460 batting line in his 204 record appearances, hitting 12 homers and three doubles. There’s still a little bang in that racket.
At this point, Pujols has that to offer – a platoon bat that can offer some pop versus left-handed pitching. He can still play a bit with his foot problems at first, but is best suited to being an off the bench or designated racket.
Fortunately for Pujols, that may be enough. The designated hitter is expected to join the National League for the 2022 season and open up a path for the season. If that happens, it is entirely possible that Pujols will find another chance in the Major League.
But it all depends on whether the universal DH comes to the NL. Otherwise, it’s hard to imagine a team spending a squad spot on a player who is defensively constrained and would best be used as a pinch hitter. In this situation, all Pujols could offer would be memories of the player he once was.
There may be a market for Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman Albert Pujols. But it all depends on whether the universal DH gets to the majors.
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