Albert Pujols has issued his first public statement since it was first reported he would be signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers following his release from the Los Angeles Angels.
The Angels' decision to release Pujols purportedly stemmed from the veteran first baseman's desire to be more of an everyday player. Although Pujols will not get consistent at-bats in the Dodgers lineup, he said he had a candid conversation with general manager Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts regarding his impending role:
“The role that Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts have presented to me is one that I embrace,” Albert Pujols tweeted. “I am excited to be part of the Dodger family and want to thank Andrew, Dave and the rest of the Dodger organization for this opportunity. My goal is the same as it’s always been – to help the ballclub win a championship in 2021. I’ve seen up close just how talented this team is and I look forward to contributing.”
Realistically, Los Angeles might actually have a pretty immediate need for Pujols.
The Dodgers' lineup has been ravaged by injuries, with shortstop Corey Seager being the latest to hit the injured list after suffering a fracture in his hand over the weekend. It's entirely possible Pujols gets his fair share of at-bats in the coming weeks as L.A. gets healthy.
However, it's pretty clear this is an opportunity for Albert Pujols to win another ring before he calls it a career. “The Machine” is one of the greatest players in MLB history and a lock for the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Pujols will make the adjustment to a part-time role as he hopes to capture his third World Series title as a member of the Dodgers.
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