The Oakland Athletics are leading the AL West by two games entering Thursday, with a 19-13 record. They are leading the American League with 42 home runs (entering Thursday), with a generally above-average offense overall.
But the A’s are getting below-average production from their DH spot so far this season. Oakland’s DHs are hitting just .198 (13th in the AL). with a .690 OPS (11th) and a .295 slugging percentage (10th). Outside of a .245 batting average they are doing well against left-handers as a team, so Pujols would only enhance that production. On a budget of course, the A’s could see value in the 40-plus-year-old version of Pujols.
The Tampa Bay Rays are indiscriminate when it comes to how they deploy and platoon their entire roster. So if there’s a team that can coax maximum value out of Pujols, it’s probably them.
Tampa Bay’s designated hitters are producing a utility infielder-like .173/.279/.306 slash-line with 12 RBI so far this season. Their team-wide .234 batting average and .382 slugging percentage against left-handers (entering Thursday) leaves something to be desired too. This year, even in the midst of his broader struggles, Pujols has posted and a .593 slugging percentage against lefties (28 plate appearances).
Pujols might be as valuable off the field to the Rays as he could be on it as a right-handed DH. If he’s willing to sign a cheap deal for the rest of the season, there would be a fit.