Commentary: Albert Pujols was not the star the Angels wanted him to be - Los Angeles Times

And that, unfortunately, is the legacy of Albert Pujols with the Angels: No big deal.

Angels release future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols.

Angels release future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols.

The future Hall of Famer was in the last season of a 10-year, $240-million contract.

Pujols arrived in Anaheim as the best player in baseball, yet he never was the best player on the Angels.

Louis Cardinals, Pujols was “The Machine,” winner of three most valuable player awards and two World Series championships.

The national reaction Thursday: ALBERT PUJOLS, HALL OF FAMER.

“A player like Trout comes every 50 years in this game,” Pujols said.

Albert Pujols joins 3,000 hit club, adding to latest chapter of Hall of Fame career.

Albert Pujols joins 3,000 hit club, adding to latest chapter of Hall of Fame career.

Perhaps some team takes a chance on Pujols as a bench player, if he is willing to be one.

Angels President John Carpino said Pujols still considers himself an everyday first baseman.

No one knew that Hamilton would not finish out his contract with the Angels

No one knew that Pujols would not finish out his contract with the Angels

The list of Hall of Famers who played their best years elsewhere and prolonged their careers in Anaheim includes Bert Blyleven, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson, Eddie Murray, Frank Robinson, Don Sutton and Dave Winfield — and Pujols

Pujols was 31 when he signed with the Angels, in a big deal that turned out to be a lost decade