The speculation about where talented first baseman Albert Pujols will play baseball for the rest of his career is now over. In a move that very few baseball insiders saw coming, Pujols inked a huge contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
The three-time MVP signed a 10-year contract worth between $250 and $260 million dollars. It also includes a no-trade clause which means the 32-year-old knows where he’ll be getting his mail well into the twilight years of his career. At least as a player in the American League he can be used as a designated hitter and extend his value later in his career.
Pujols’ former team, the World Series champ St. Louis Cardinals, and the new-look Miami Marlins were thought to be the front runners in the bidding war for the 32 year old’s services. The lovable losing Cubs also offered a contract to their rival.
With Pujols’ departure and the retirement of head coach Tony La Russa, the Cardinals will have a very different vibe as they begin defending their World Series crown in 2012.