The Los Angeles Angels cut ties with future Hall of Fame first baseman Albert Pujols on Thursday, barely two months into the final season of his contract, ending a near-decade run in Southern California. The Angels officially designated 41-year-old Pujols for assignment, a formality before he becomes a free agent for the second time in his 21-year career.
When a player is designated for assignment, a team has seven days to either trade the player or place him on irrevocable outright waivers. If the player goes unclaimed on waivers, he then can be released.
All indications are that Pujols wants to keep playing, though it remains to be seen what type of opportunities he will have with the DH not a factor in the National League. One potential landing spot could be the Chicago White Sox, managed by Tony La Russa, who still reveres Pujols so much that he intentionally walked him in a big spot earlier this season. The White Sox have been decimated by injuries and could have an opening for Pujols to get some playing time on a contender.