Nolan Arenado shouts out Cardinals legend Albert Pujols after Angels release

A new St. Louis Cardinal, Nolan Arenado, shouted out a team legend in Albert Pujols.

Pujols was released by the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, marking the end of his time there and perhaps his baseball playing career as a whole. The 41-year-old slugger hasn’t been a productive player since 2017, and is below league average in pretty much every major statistical category.

Yet, Pujols doesn’t want to give up his playing time, hence why he was granted his release by the Angels. As much as some players have come to bat for the legend since yesterday, Pujols’ release wasn’t necessarily unceremonious. It’s exactly what he wanted, given the fact that the Angels wanted to cut into his starting duties at first base.

It’s quite possible that Pujols won’t get a starting opportunity on a contending team. That shouldn’t take away from his career accomplishments. He’s 41, and father time always wins.

Nolan Arenado says Albert Pujols is his favorite player

Arenado ended his zoom press conference by shouting out Pujols, who he deemed his favorite player, both growing up and now.

“Albert Pujols…I love you man, you’re one of the greatest to ever play this game, and I hope you get to go out the right way….and I’m just a huge fan and I hope you hear this one day because you’re my favorite player, thank you,” Arenado said.

It’s rare that even the greatest of players get to go out “the right way,” as Arenado put it. In the end, unless they can produce at least at a league-average level, then even greats like Pujols are subject to unfair roster moves.