Angels Release Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols

The Angels have released first baseman and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols, MLB Network's Mark Feinsand reports. This was the final season of Pujols' 10-year, $253 million deal. We knew he was on the decline, but were hoping it wouldn't end like this.

Pujols was batting .198 with five homers and 12 RBI in his 86 at-bats, and clearly the Angels wanted to move in another direction. When an employer gives you $25.3 million to go away, it's obviously not a good look.

Regardless, Albert Pujols is as sure a Hall of Famer as any right-handed hitter ever, and he deserves his props. It wouldn't be surprising if the St. Louis Cardinals worked out a deal so that the 41-year-old first baseman could come off the bench and retire back home.

Anything but his release as the finale will suffice.