Angels manager Joe Maddon on releasing Albert Pujols: 'Divorce is difficult'

Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon addressed the team releasing Albert Pujols last week, comparing it to a sad but ultimately necessary divorce.

"Divorce is difficult," he said on The Starkville podcast with Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville. "It is difficult. There’s never a good time to go through with the act. … Sometimes it organically just has to occur."

Pujols was in the final year of his 10-year, $240 million contract that he signed all the way back in 2012. The 41-year-old had been in clear decline over the last few years, hitting above .250 only once in the past seven seasons. 

This year, he was hitting .198 through 20 starts with five home runs and 12 RBI. The Angels will still be required to pay him the remaining $30 million on his contract, along with owing him a 10-year, $10 million personal services contract that kicks in after the season.

Pujols' MLB career is likely over at this point, with few teams expected to show much interest in adding him to their roster. But his baseball career may not be done yet, as the Dominican Republic is reportedly interested in having him play on its team for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.