That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies: A case study of previous $200+million hitters

By Josh Starr

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 4: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees waits in the dugout before the start of a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 4, 2015 at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 4: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees waits in the dugout before the start of a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 4, 2015 at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 27: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim looks on after flying out during the second inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Angel Stadium on August 27, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Albert Pujols

The next big contract was Albert Pujols’ contract with the Angels prior to the 2012 season.

The contract: 10 years, $240 million

How it worked out: Although Pujols has produced for the Angels since signing, the contract probably wasn’t worth it for the organization.

While with the Cardinals, Pujols was a perennial MVP candidate. Out of his 11 seasons in St. Louis, he was an MVP finalist eight times, winning the award thrice. He appeared in eight straight All-Star Games from 2003 to 2010. Despite being 32 years old heading into the 2012 season, the Angels gave him a 10-year deal, hoping he could continue his success at the plate for at least a majority of the contract.

Unfortunately for them, that has not happened. Pujols has hit .260 with 188 home runs and 653 RBI in seven seasons with the Angels. While the production has been good, it is a pittance compared to his previous numbers. In addition, he has been hampered by foot issues throughout. On top of that, even with Mike Trout on the team, it has only resulted in one playoff appearance: a sweep at the hands of the Royals in the 2014 ALDS.

Pujols only has one All-Star appearance and the last couple of years have not been great. In 2017, he was decent, hitting 23 home runs with 101 RBI. Still not Pujols-like numbers.

This past season showed that Pujols likely won’t get back to being an MVP-caliber player.  In 2018, he hit 19 home runs with 64 RBI. He was only able to play 117 games this year and it is up in the air whether or not he’ll ever play more than that again. The Angels still have him under contract for three more years, owing him $87 million.

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