Albert Pujols Joins The Dodgers

It turns out Albert Pujols won’t have to travel far in order to join a new major league club.

The right-handed slugger agreed to a major league contract on Saturday with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the remainder of the season. The deal isn’t expected to become official until Monday, according to multiple reports.

Pujols, 41, who was released by the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday after clearing waivers, was in the last year of a 10-year, $240 million contract he signed after the 2011 season.

Although it’s not immediately apparent how he fits in with the Dodgers, Pujols will more than likely be used as a pinch hitter against left-handers and spend some time at first base when incumbent Max Muncy needs a day off.

L.A. has struggled against left-handed pitching this season, posting a cumulative OPS of .663.

Although he’s not the player he once was, Pujols nonetheless commands more respect at the plate than someone like Sheldon Neuse or D.J. Peters, the Dodgers’ primary right-handed options off the bench.

One of the best right-handed hitters of all time, Pujols’ hall of fame enshrinement is simply a formality at this point. He’ll join the Dodgers having hit 667 HR (sixth all-time) and 3,252 hits (13th all-time).

The 10-time all-star, 3-time National League MVP, and 2-time World Series champion spent the first 10 years of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, and there was speculation that he could rejoin his former club and end his career there.