Indians: He may not be what he once was but the Tribe should go after Albert Pujols

The Indians should consider signing Albert Pujols.

The Indians are not exactly swimming in cash, and signing some players who may not be the most obvious gets is usually the way a team like the Tribe survives in today’s baseball climate. While it’s obvious Albert Pujols doesn’t have much left in the tank, having been designated for assignment by the Angels on Thursday, the Indians have historically been very keen at getting the last drops out of their veteran players. Be it Kevin Millwood, Kerry Wood, Jim Thome, or Jason Giambi, the Tribe have a record of making players who looked washed-up, look serviceable.

The signing of Pujols would give the Indians a veteran presence who still has some pop in his bat. He’s played in the World Series before and while with the Cardinals has had a lot of runs in the playoffs, giving a young team a steady hand come October.

The Indians have the space to bring him on board. Current designated hitter Franmil Reyes has proven to be a fine outfielder, and could easily move out to right field, pushing Josh Naylor to center field. That, or Pujols could be a DH every now and then, filling every so often as a backup to Reyes, and either having Reyes take the day off, or have him play first base.

Not only that, but Pujols might be able to play some first base as well, a spot he’s played 20 games at so far in 2021.

By no means should the Indians break the bank for the future Hall of Famer, but they need help, he’s a big proven bat, who’s on his last legs admittedly, but it all comes down to one simple question. What would it hurt to see?

Pujols doesn’t need to be what he was in St. Louis, he just needs to be what Giambi was for the Indians in 2013. If Pujols can hit near .200, while hitting double-digit home runs, he may be very well worth $1 million.

The Tribe just designated another player for assignment in Brent Gamel, marking it the second player the team designated for assignment after Oliver Perez. They may not be the only two at this rate.

Pujols could be interesting and wouldn’t hurt the team at all to give a shot to. If he continues to struggle, so be it, you cut him and move on. If he doesn’t? You may have found a missing link offensively.

What’s the worst that could happen by giving him some at-bats?