The Los Angeles Angels went out and signed some big names this winter in order to reach the postseason. However, one key piece to help get them back on that winning track has already been on their roster for six seasons. Last season was a down one for Albert Pujols. In 149 games, the future Hall of Famer hit a putrid .241/.286/.386 line, earning him an 81 OPS+, his lowest ever. Throughout Pujols’ previous 16 seasons, he never once posted an OPS+ below the league average of 100. To his credit, Pujols did hit 23 home runs and he finished with 101 RBIs, but overall the unproductive (or negative impact) triple-slash line was hard to forget. He also only walked 37 times (6%) to a career-most 93 strikeouts (15%).
While strikeouts were never a problem for Pujols, the rapid decline of walks killed him. It seemed like every time he was up there, Pujols was grounding out if he wasn’t hitting for extra-bases. In fact, he lead the entire league with 26 balls hit into double-plays and only had 40 extra-base hits overall. To put that into perspective, that was only the 164th most extra-base hits in all of baseball. For a guy on a $240 million contract, that is unacceptable. Point being, a nice bounce-back season from the one-time “Machine” would do wonders to a team with Shohei Ohtani, Zack Cozart, Ian Kinsler, Justin Upton, and oh yeah, Mike Trout.
Asking Pujols to play another 145+ games and reach at least a .250 BA/100 OPS+ wouldn’t be too far fetched, would it? Maybe it might be for a guy who just turned 38, but from what I’m hearing, Pujols recently shaved 13-to-15 lbs. off himself. He says he expects to play more first base this season, something that he’d done only 34 times in the past two seasons. However, primarily DH’ing would still be the best bet in order for the veteran to achieve a bounce-back season. Fans and the media are projecting around 80 wins and a wildcard spot while already believing that Pujols may be washed, so if he surprises many and puts together a productive season, the Angels have that chance to be even better. It’s a lot to ask but hey, it’s Albert Pujols. You never know.
PHOTO: THOMAS B SHEA/USA TODAY SPORTS @ https://www.fanragsports.com/angels/how-much-will-the-angels-need-albert-pujols/
It's My Opinion 
As a realist, I have a hard time seeing Pujols making a comeback, but as a die hard Angels fan, fingers crossed!
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I was going to ask what your thoughts were. I’m not so sure he does either.
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