As pitchers and catchers began to report to Spring Training, a lot of the buzz surrounded Shohei Ohtani entering the final year of his current deal, but also the welcoming of former Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols back into camp.
Pujols spent 10 seasons with the Angels from 2012 to 2021 when he was released mid-year and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The surefire Hall of Famer didn’t have the most spectacular tenure with the Halos, but his baseball acumen and knowledge alone left an imprint on players and countless fans.
As part of the 10-year, $240 million deal he signed in 2012, a personal-services clause was added in that would reunite him with his former club, and Pujols was already spotted in Tempe, Arizona to begin his commitment, via Sam Blum of The Athletic:
Albert Pujols said he’s committed to fulfilling his 10-year personal services contract with the Angels.
His official title is special assistant.
He’ll work with Perry, the coaching staff, prospects in the DR, etc.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) February 22, 2023
Angels club president John Carpino mentioned in November the team had plans for Pujols to step into this role and the 22-year veteran is expected to fulfill the entire agreement.
Because of Pujols’ path to Major League Baseball and ascension to one of the sport’s most feared hitters, the value he will bring to prospects in the Angels Minor League system is invaluable. If he enjoys his time with the team, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see him take a larger role in the organization’s player development.
Angels hire Trent Woodward as hitting consultant
The Angels have taken steps forward this offseason and general manager Perry Minasian has proved it by adding a fresh voice in Marcus Thames as their new hitting coach. Around Major League Baseball, teams are bringing in outside help and sending their players to Driveline Baseball for a deep performance analysis.
But sometimes the best avenue is to follow the breadcrumbs and bring in those who have directly helped players within the organization and the Angels did so by hiring Trent Woodward after his work with Brett Phillips and Taylor Ward this past season.
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