MLB Rumors: World Series Champion Joining Dodgers In Possible Swan Song – Report

KEY POINTS

Albert Pujols may end his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a report says
Pujols could end up becoming a backup unless the Dodgers shake starting cast
Pujols may be aiming to win one more title before wrapping up his MLB career

Albert Pujols knows he has something left in the tank and would love to continue playing. Despite cutting ties with the Los Angeles Angels, it appears the two-time World Series champion has no plans to leave L.A.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are signing the 41-year-old superstar slugger, the Los Angeles Times first reported. However, an anonymous person with knowledge of the deal told the Associated Press that it may not be finalized until Monday.

Once made official, it could be a fitting resumption of play for Pujols, although his game has been on the decline in the past years.

Pujols was in the final year of his 10-year contract with the Angels worth $240 million before things fell apart. The 10-time All-Star was not keen on playing backup so the oldest player in the majors opted to pack up his bags and explore other options.

The three-time NL MVP is due to make $30 million this season. Once the Dodgers deal is made official, the team will pay Pujols only the pro-rated portion of the major league minimum salary for the rest of the season, roughly $420,000. The Angels will pay the rest, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The Angels failed to fly with Pujols, with the slugger not having made any kind of impact. He is fifth in major-league history with 667 homers and 13th with 3,253 hits, but none of that had any impact during Pujols' stint for the last half-decade.

A reason why Pujols decided to leave is that he wanted to play more and not as a backup. But a move to the Dodgers may not necessarily address that concern, with Los Angeles expected to stick with veterans Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger. Hence, the best to expect for Pujols is seeing him as the designated hitter in interleague road games.

That is subject to change. Muncy can play other positions in the infield, meaning there is a chance that Pujols could step up – especially against left-handed pitchers.

Once his new agreement is signed, Pujols will also become the fourth MVP winner in the Dodgers, joining Bellinger, Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw.

But after this season, the future of Pujols will again be in question. Despite his age and dipping performance, possibly helping and winning another MLB title could be the perfect swan song for the two-time World Series champion.