MLB Playoffs 2017: 5 reasons Los Angels Angels make it

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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 05: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts after hitting an RBI single in the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on September 5, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

4. Prince Albert is producing

The 10-year, $240-million contract the Angels gave Albert Pujols will likely go down as one of the worst contracts in the history of baseball. There’s no denying the fact that Pujols has been a lead anchor in the Los Angeles lineup for most of this season. He has an OPS+ of 82 and leads the majors in double plays grounded into. Pujols has driven in 96 runs, but has only 14 doubles and 22 home runs.

Pujols has been the worst qualified DH in the American League, but his bat is showing signs of life when it matters most. He has hit .352/.390/.426 in September with 13 RBI. Pujols has also been respectable with runners in scoring position, as evidenced by his 96 RBI and .806 OPS in RISP situations.

The contract the Angels gave Pujols is obviously a sunk cost at this point, and their best hope is that he retires instead of playing out the four remaining years on the deal. He is the slowest player in the league and is owed $114 million plus $10 million more for “personal services” to the club after his career ends. His bat is done, but Pujols will likely hold on for at least one more year to reach 3,000 hits. There have been small glimmers of former glory for Pujols at times this season, and the Angels need him to hold onto this current one for the rest of the year to have a shot at making the playoffs.

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