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Albert Pujols is now in his fourth season in the heart of the Los Angeles Angels’ lineup. In his prime, Pujols was an offensive juggernaut with elite average and power. Pujols hasn’t been quite the same, seeing declines in power, average, and WAR. There is hope, though; last year’s 28 home runs were seen as a solid rebound to Pujols’ injury-plagued 2013 season. With Mike Trout establishing himself as the best position player in baseball, the 35 year old Pujols doesn’t need to feel the pressure to be the incredible player he was in his prime. He’s also not feeling the pressure of injuries, as sources say he’s been “in great shape” all spring. A healthy Albert Pujols is crucial if the Angels want to take their team to the next level and forget a disappointing ALDS loss last season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Angels slugger:
He Is a Three Time MVP
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It simply cannot be overstated just how dominant prime Albert Pujols was. Early in his career his efforts were overshadowed by some superhuman Barry Bonds seasons. Once that was no longer a threat, Pujols’ incredible offensive prowess was finally rewarded. His first MVP came in 2005 after hitting 330 with 41 home runs and an 8.4 WAR. His 2008 MVP was his reward for a .357 average, 37 home runs, and a 9.2 WAR. His 2009 season – .327 average, 47 home runs, and a 9.7 WAR – was so far beyond any other candidates that he was unanimously voted the NL MVP.
He Is a Member of the 500 Home Run Club
On April 22nd, 2014, Albert Pujols hit two home runs. The second dinger was a bit of a milestone – it was his 500th career home run! Pujols became the 26th member of the storied 500 home run club. Even more impressive, he was the first player to hit it in the same game as his 499th homer. MLB.com was aware of how incredible this was for Pujols too, noting that he was “the third-youngest player to hit his 500th home run”. Pujols comes into the 2015 season with 520 career home runs, so fans will have to wait another season or more before looking for number 600.
He Is One of the Greatest Postseason Hitters of All Time
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If you thought Albert Pujols’ regular season stats were impressive… well, you’d be right. But his postseason stats are even crazier, and go beyond his .323 postseason batting average. When it comes to all-time postseason stats, Pujols is 4th in total bases and home runs, 6th in RBIs and doubles, and 7th in hits. Amazingly, he’s accomplished all this without being in the top 10 in postseason games played or at-bats. Pujols is an all-time great hitter, and his postseason stats help put him over the top.
He Founded the Pujols Family Foundation
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In 2005, Albert Pujols and his wife Deirdre founded the Pujols Family Foundation, a non-profit with the intention of “benefiting people with (a) Down syndrome (b) disabilities and/or life threatening illnesses as well as (c) children and families living in impoverished conditions in the Dominican Republic,” according to their website. It’s a cause near to the family’s heart, as Deirdre’s daughter Isabella has Down syndrome. It’s not the only work Pujols has done for this cause; in 2009 he helped open the Albert Pujols Wellness Center for Adults with Down Syndrome at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, MO.
He Is Under Contract Until 2021
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After the many consecutive elite season Pujols had with the St. Louis Cardinals, it was widely assumed after the 2011 season that he would get paid, and that he would get paid big time. And get paid big time he did, as during the 2011 Winter Meetings the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed Pujols to a 10-year, $254 million dollar contract. Pujols is slated to make $24 million this year. His annual salary goes up by $1 million until he will be making an astonishing $30 million in 2021. It pays to be an elite hitter.