An era officially came to an end on Thursday when the Los Angeles Angels designated future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols for assignment. The 10-time All-Star wasn't happy with the lack of playing time which led to the Angels letting him go.
Mike Trout has played alongside Pujols since 2012, when the Dominican was in the first year of a massive $240 million deal. That was also the same year that Trout won Rookie of the Year. Pujols has been the ultimate mentor to the Angels center fielder and when Trout heard the news, it hit him pretty hard.
“I broke down a little bit,” Trout said in his first public comments on the decision, via NBC Sports. “Just knowing that he’s been here for the whole time I’ve been here, and knowing it could be done just like that.”
Ultimately though, Trout understands where Pujols is at as he still wants to play on a full-time basis, despite being 41-years-old.
“I think we were all in shock when the news broke and when we found out about it. But after talking to Albert, and the competitor Albert is, he wants to play every day and that's not happening with the Angels. You can tell when he’s not playing, he wants to be out there with the team. I hope he finds a team that can let him play every day and what his body allows him to do, because he’s a competitor. You want him out there. It was a tough situation, but Albert is in a good place, and that’s all you can ask for.”
Pujols has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers of any current big leaguer, but since he's been with the Angels, the veteran has struggled to stay healthy and put up consistent numbers at the plate. Nevertheless, though, Pujols is a three-time MVP and one of the most dangerous power hitters the game has ever seen, slugging 667 career home runs.
There's been talk that he could retire, but Pujols is still hoping for the possibility of another organization giving him a chance.
Whether he keeps playing or not, Albert Pujols will forever be a legend, especially in St.Louis.
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