Los Angeles Angels: Should Albert Pujols consider retirement

The Los Angeles Angels are like a guy with a smoking hot girlfriend right now thanks to Shohei Ohtani. However, the bitter ex-girlfriend could be Albert Pujols.

There is plenty to be excited about if you’re a Los Angeles Angels die-hard. For one, 99% of the pitching staff will be healthy come spring training. Secondly, the Japanese Babe Ruth chose to play for the Angels this season. The Angels farm system is one of the five best turnaround farms in the league. As a result, the Angels are one of the most exciting teams heading into 2018.

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However, there is that one skeleton in the closet that the Angels have to eventually address. The situation with Albert Pujols is becoming increasingly dire with the Los Angeles Angels. At age 37 Pujols is basically a shell of the caliber player he once was. Although, he is chasing history with his everlasting pursuit of the most home runs in MLB history, the question remains should he consider retiring?

Firstly, many people will argue against his numbers last season. Many people will believe he can still DH and even possibly play first base this season. However, the Angels are so stacked at this position.

Some fans have said that the Los Angeles should trade C.J. Cron, which I think is a bad idea. Cron hit 16 home runs, drove in 56 RBI’s and scored 39 times last season. While Pujols did slug out 23 home runs last season, Cron provides defense at the first base position. I just don’t see Pujols able to withstand a full season of anything other than DH.

The problem with Pujols playing DH is he’ll have to split time with Ohtani. If Ohtani comes out swinging and lighting up the league, where does that leave Pujols? You can’t justify paying a guy 25 million dollars a season to ride the bench and DH.

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Pujols is a great player. He’s the MLB’s version of Kobe Bryant, James Harrison, or Lionel Messi. He’s a champion, and arguably one of the leagues best hitters of all time. Also noteworthy, Pujols never became subject to a scandal or steroid use. However, all great things must come to an end. Players have to know when to walk away. Father time catches up with the best of us.