Albert Pujols: Salary By Year and Contract History

Albert Pujols, the legendary MLB hitter, recently shared a nostalgic Instagram post with the caption “Happy Opening Day.” Let’s dive into his remarkable career, examining his salary by year and his intriguing contract history.

Albert Pujols: A Baseball Icon

Albert Pujols, a former professional first baseman and MLB superstar, currently serves as a special assistant manager for the Los Angeles Angels. His journey with the team began in 2012 when he signed a 10-year personal services commitment.

During the recent spring training, Pujols took on the role of mentoring young talents within the LA Angels organization. Now, he’s set to lead prospects in the Dominican Republic, continuing his legacy in the sport.

A Glorious Career

Pujols’s career, which started on April 2, 2001, with the Cardinals, spanned two decades, covering both the Cardinals and the Angels. This National League batting champion boasts an impressive array of accolades, including three MVP titles and two Home Run Leader awards.

One of his crowning achievements was becoming the fourth player in history to achieve 700 career home runs, a testament to his incredible skill and consistency.

Beyond the Diamond

Beyond the baseball diamond, Pujols is involved in the restaurant business with his family. He also runs a charitable foundation dedicated to raising awareness for Down syndrome and assisting families in need.

Albert Pujols Salary History

Let’s delve into Albert Pujols’s salary history, examining how his earnings evolved over the years: (source)

Year (Playing Team)	Salary Per Year in Average
2022 (St. Louis Cardinals)	$2.6 Million
2021 (Los Angeles Dodgers)	$570,500
2021 (Los Angeles Angels)	$30 Million
2012-2020 (Los Angeles Angels)	$240 Million ($24 Million yearly)
2004-2011 (St Louis Cardinals)	$100 Million ($14,285,714 yearly)
2003 (St. Louis Cardinals)	$900,000
2002 (St. Louis Cardinals)	$600,000
2001 (St. Louis Cardinals)	$200,000
1999 (St. Louis Cardinals)	$60,000 (Signing Bonus)

Pujols’s journey began with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001, earning a modest $200,000. His stellar performance quickly led to increased earnings, reaching $600,000 in 2002 and $900,000 in 2003.

In 2004, he signed a monumental 7 year, $100 million deal with the Cardinals, securing an average annual income of $14.285 million until 2011. His final year with the Cardinals, in 2022, saw him earning $2.6 million.

Los Angeles Angels (2012-2021)

In 2012, Pujols embarked on a new chapter by signing a monumental $254 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. This deal averaged an annual salary of $24 million.

During his tenure, Pujols achieved the title of World Series Champion with the Cardinals in 2011 and became known as “The Hitting Machine” for his impressive batting skills.

In his final year with the Angels in 2021, Pujols earned $30 million. He became a free agent again on May 13, 2021, marking a significant transition in his career.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2021)

Albert Pujols briefly donned the Dodgers uniform in 2021, earning a salary of $570,500. He signed with the Dodgers as a free agent on May 17, 2021, playing 85 games during the season. In the off-season, he also participated in the Dominican Professional League.

Pujols was among the top earners in MLB that year, with a maximum income of $30 million. Following his stint with the Dodgers, he returned to the Cardinals in 2022.

Albert Pujols’s Net Worth

As of 2023, Albert Pujols boasts a staggering net worth of $170 million, ranking as the fifth richest baseball player globally by Wealthy Gorilla. His consistent performance on the field and off-field endorsements secured his place among the highest-earning athletes.

Throughout his illustrious 22-year career, Pujols earned a total of $341,810,741. The pinnacle of his earnings came during his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels from 2011 to 2021.

Beyond Baseball

Despite his immense success in baseball, Pujols maintains a humble nature. He actively engages in charitable work through his foundation and co-owns a family restaurant named “Pujols 5 Westport Grill.” The restaurant’s earnings contribute to supporting his family, who play an integral role in its management.

Additionally, Pujols remains committed to promoting baseball talent from the Dominican Republic, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.

Contract History

Albert Pujols’s contract history is a testament to his impact on the game:

Contract History And Tenure	Salary
St Louis Cardinals 2001 – 1 Year	$260,000 ($60,000 Signing Bonus)
St. Louis Cardinals 2002 – 1 Year	$600,000
St. Louis Cardinals 2003 – 1 Year	$900,000
St. Louis Cardinals 2004 – 7 years until 2011	$100 Million
Los Angeles Angels 2012 – 10 Years till 2021	$254 Million
Los Angeles Dodgers 2021 – 1 Year	$570,500
St Louis Cardinals 2022 – 1 year ( final)	$2.6 Million

Pujols’s journey from the Cardinals to the Angels and, briefly, the Dodgers is marked by both impressive contracts and unforgettable performances. His impact on the baseball world is indelible, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of players.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Albert Pujols’s extraordinary journey through Major League Baseball stands as a testament to his legendary career. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the sport’s highest earners, Pujols’s impact transcends the field. With a net worth of $170 million and a legacy of charitable endeavors, he remains an inspiration both in and out of the ballpark. His story serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the world of baseball and beyond.