Cardinals: Albert Pujols to honor 10-year services contract with Angels

The St. Louis Cardinals legend Albert Pujols may be restricted in his Cardinals commitments due to 10-year contract with Angels.

Many fans have been excited about Albert Pujols’ reunion with the St. Louis Cardinals, and once again having one of the greatest players of all-time around the organization. Unfortunately, Pujols will likely be tied back to Southern California for another 10-year stretch.

Upon signing a 10-year, $254 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels in December of 2011, the right-handed hitter also signed himself up for an additional 10-year, $10 million with the organization for “personal services” after his playing career was over. This contractually ties Pujols to the Angels organization for the next decade.

According to the Los Angeles Times, sources close to Pujols say he plans on fulfilling that contract, even with the Angels up for sale and being released by the team in 2021. According to Angles general manager Perry Minasian, the team still wants Pujols to fulfill this as well.

This is a huge and blow to the Cardinals despite the relatively quiet media coverage so far. Pujols’ return to St. Louis in 2022 was nothing short of magical, and we will forever be one of the most beloved and respected faces in Cardinals history. Having that kind of guy around is huge for brand exposure and fan service, and yet, Pujols will likely not be able to provide that much for St. Louis.

Details of what exactly will be required of Pujols are still unclear. The Angels will likely want Pujols around their club during things like Spring Training, important home games, media projects, etc. One can hope that the Angels are willing to let Pujols be around his St. Louis fans and support the organization, but that remains to be seen.