I wouldn't sign him early, you have to keep dangling that carrot. Soon as he's locked into a huge contract that belt is coming off and momma's home cookin' will be here to stay!
It's sad to see him leave baseball this way but Pujols did this to himself. He let himself fade into a terrible player with a disgusting contract. The contract isn't his fault but the Angels should have worked something out a few years ago to get him off the books.