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MLB Rumors: 7 teams who should sign Albert Pujols

By Brad Berreman

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 02: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels swings his bat in the dugout during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 02, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 02: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels swings his bat in the dugout during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 02, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Athletics. Scouting Report. . 2. player. 96. Pick Analysis. AL West

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.

. Tampa Bay Rays. 1. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. AL East. player. 21

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.

Next. 3 players the Detroit Tigers should trade to jumpstart their rebuild. dark

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