Albert Pujols to join Dodgers: reports

Albert Pujols is taking a run at one more ring, according to multiple reports. He’s signing with the Dodgers on a major-league deal instead of retiring. Pujols makes perfect sense on the team that needs him the least, providing extremely specific clubhouse and hitting roles as the last man off the bench.

Pujols, 41, was cut by the Angels earlier this month and hasn’t spoken to media since. He struggled in his final season with the Angels, batting .198, but he could be effective as a purely situational slugger against lefties with the Dodgers.

The Angels claimed that Pujols wanted to leave after refusing to ride the bench, but that doesn’t necessarily contradict Pujols joining the Dodgers as a backup. The Angels aren’t the defending World Series champions.