In a surprising twist, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have won the Albert Pujols derby. The Angels have signed Pujols to a 10-year contract that will pay him between $250 and $260 million with a full no-trade clause, according to a report by Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports. The Angels beat out the Miami Marlins and Pujols' former team, the St. Louis Cardinals, for his services.
The Angels actually entered the fray late, as most assumed the decision was between the Marlins and Cardinals. However, the Marlins reportedly bowed out on Wednesday night after Pujols' asking price was too large. The Angels then entered the fray, and evidently, they've done enough to steal Pujols away from a Cardinals team he's known for his entire life.
Pujols is 31 and still one of the top hitters in baseball. His contract will pay him until he is 41 years old.
For more on Pujols' signing, visit Halos Heaven, Viva El Birdos, SB Nation St. Louis and Baseball Nation.