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Angels releasing Pujols in final season of 10-year megadeal

Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Los Angeles Angels will release Albert Pujols on Thursday in the midst of the final season of his 10-year, $240-million contract.

"Albert's historical accomplishments, both on and off the field, serve as an inspiration to athletes everywhere, and his actions define what it means to be a true superstar," Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement obtained by Jeff Passan of ESPN. "Since his Rookie of the Year season in 2001, Albert and his wife Deidre have generously given their time and resources to countless charities throughout the world. We are thankful to the entire Pujols family."

The 41-year-old is hitting .198/.250/.372 with five homers and one stolen base through 24 games this year.

A future Hall of Famer, Pujols owns a career .298/.376/.545 slash line with 667 homers. The three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star surpassed Willie Mays for fifth on MLB's all-time home-run leaderboard in 2020 and trails only Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Alex Rodriguez.

Pujols has recently lost playing time to Shohei Ohtani at designated hitter and Jared Walsh at first base.

Pujols spent his first 11 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2001 as well as a trio of NL MVP awards in 2005, 2008, and 2009. After helping the team to their second World Series championship during his tenure in 2011, Pujols hit free agency and signed a 10-year, $240-million contract with the Angels. Over that decade, the six-time Silver Slugger hit milestone homers No. 500 and 600 of his career, earned down-ballot MVP votes twice, and made his 10th All-Star roster.

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