Albert Pujols was released by the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. He is unlikely to reunite with Tony La Russa and the Chicago White Sox.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com speculated the White Sox could make for an interesting fit because of the relationship between Pujols and La Russa.
Pujols came up in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, where La Russa managed from 2000 to 2011. The two won a pair of World Series titles together and forever immortalized themselves as Cardinals icons.
Could the partnership be renewed in Chicago? Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY reports that's an unlikely scenario, particularly given the emergence of minor league journeyman Yermin Mercedes:
There's already speculation of a reunion with manager Tony La Russa in Chicago, particularly with the White Sox's recent injuries to outfielder Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez. But there is nothing to it, White Sox offiicals say. Yermin Mercedes has been their primary DH, and he happens to be hitting .386 with a 1.039 OPS.
Indeed, Chicago does not need anyone else taking away at-bats from Mercedes or reigning American League MVP Jose Abreu. Plus, it's not as if Pujols is delivering the goods like he used to.
The three-time MVP was hitting just .198 with a .622 OPS in just under 100 appearances. He has not posted an OPS above .750 since 2016. In fact, he's mostly been a negative player in terms of wins above replacement (WAR).
Perhaps Pujols deserves to a contender as a curtain call, of sorts. But the White Sox are not that contender, especially not when they have more pressing needs in the outfield.
Maybe, the Cardinals would bring him back to St. Louis, as Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal hopes.
Follow Us
Subscribe