Angels news: Albert Pujols clarifies reports saying he’s retiring after 2021 season

Los Angeles Angels first baseman and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols has not made a decision about retirement just yet.

The Los Angeles Angels enter Spring Training hoping to make the postseason for the first-time since the 2014 season. Now, they have even more incentive to play some fall ball in 2021.

According to Albert Pujols’ wife, Deidre, the 2021 season will be the Angels first baseman’s last. Deidre Pujols announced the news in an official Instagram post. Pujols replied to his wife’s post with three heart emojis.

Shortly afterwards, Deidre amended her post, saying that this was “the first day of the last season (based on his contract) of one of the most remarkable careers in sports.” Shortly afterwards, sources told Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic that Pujols has not made a decision as to whether he will retire after this season.

Pujols is a free agent after the 2021 season

Pujols is entering the final season of his 10-year, $240 million deal with the Angels. The organization signed him in the winter of 2011 just after he won his second World Series title with the St. Louis Cardinals. Once the 2021 season concludes, Pujols will become an unrestricted free agent at the age of 41.

This past season with the Angels, Pujols slashed .224/.270/.395 while recording six home runs and 25 RBI.

Prior to the start of the upcoming season, Pujols has recorded 662 home runs (fifth all-time) and 2,100 RBI (third all-time) in his career, while owning a cumulative batting average of .299 and OPS of .924. Overall, Pujols earned three NL MVP awards, 10 All-Star nominations, six Silver Slugger awards, two Gold Gloves and two World Series championships.

A retirement following this season is not in the cards for Pujols just yet. We should receive a clearer answer once the upcoming campaign concludes.