3 Los Angeles Dodgers who won’t survive an early playoff exit
By Scott Rogust
If the Los Angeles Dodgers are eliminated early in the postseason, these three players are unlikely to return for the 2022 campaign.
The Los Angeles Dodgers reached the mountaintop in MLB last season by winning their first World Series title since 1988. This season, the Dodgers are in the midst of a tough battle with the San Francisco Giants for the NL West title. Their moves at the trade deadline solidified that they fully expect to contend for the Commissioner’s Trophy.
Winning the World Series this year is not going to be easy, given how tough the field is currently in the National League. There is a decent likelihood that they could be eliminated early in the postseason. If they do, there is a chance that these three players won’t be back on the Dodgers for the 2022 season.
Albert Pujols was entering the final season of his 10-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. But 24 games into the season, the Angels decided to waive him, allowing him to hit free agency. Pujols did not have to go far, as he signed a deal with the Dodgers for the remainder of the year.
Joining the Dodgers obviously gave Pujols the opportunity to contend for the World Series one last time. Through 61 games with the Dodgers, the veteran slugger is slashing .265/.311/.458 while recording nine home runs, 32 RBI, 15 runs scored and 41 hits.
If the Dodgers are to be sent home early this fall, it is unknown if Pujols will be brought back for another year … assuming he doesn’t just call it a career on his own accord.