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Cardinals Sign Albert Pujols

By Darragh McDonald | March 28, 2022 at 4:35pm CDT

Albert Pujols’ career has come full-circle, as the Cardinals announced Monday afternoon they’d agreed to a deal to bring him back to St. Louis. The MVP Sports Group client will reportedly be guaranteed $2.5MM. St. Louis will announce a corresponding 40-man roster move later this week.

Pujols, 42, spent the first 11 years of his career with the Cardinals, playing at an unfathomable level and enshrining himself as a future Hall of Famer. In that time, he hit 445 home runs and put up an incredible .328/.420/.617 for a wRC+ of 167. He was a key reason why the club was a continual competitor in that time, making the postseason in 7 of those 11 seasons and winning the World Series in 2006 and 2011.

Based on that otherworldly run of success, he was signed by the Angels to a ten-year, $254MM deal covering the 2012-2021 seasons. Pujols continued to hit at a level above the league average for the first five years of that deal, though a few notches below what he did as a Cardinal. From there, things only got worse, as he hit just .242/.291/.406 from 2017 to 2020, producing a wRC+ of just 84. After 24 games last year, with just a few months remaining on the contract, the Angels released him. Surprisingly, he was picked up by the Dodgers, who planned to limit the veteran slugger to a bench/platoon role, primarily facing lefties. The strategy worked out fine enough, as Pujols hit .254/.299/.460 as a Dodger, a wRC+ of 101.

The earlier report from Katie Woo of The Athletic indicated that the club was interested in bringing Pujols back for a reunion, but in a similar role to the one he had with the Dodgers last year. Now that the National League will have the designated hitter this year, it will be easier for the club to implement Pujols in this way, being used as a pinch hitter or in the DH slot, trying to limit his exposure to righties. Woo noted that that the club has traditionally shied away from platoon strategies in the past, but that new manager Oliver Marmol is planning on changing that. Paul Goldschmidt is firmly entrenched as the club’s regular first baseman, meaning Pujols will be in the mix for DH/pinch-hitting duties alongside Corey Dickerson, Lars Nootbaar and Juan Yepez.

For Yepez, he seemed poised to make the team after a tremendous year in the minors. Between Double-A and Triple-A last year, he hit .286/.383/.586, for a wRC+ of 154. Then there’s Nolan Gorman, who also spent last year between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting .279/.333/.481, wRC+ of 115. However, Woo reports that, given that Yepez is just 24 and Gorman doesn’t turn 22 until May, the club is considering a plan wherein they each spend a bit more time in the minors getting regular reps, waiting for an opportunity to open up as the season progresses.

While Yepez and Gorman will surely get their opportunities down the line, the narrative of the moment is that one of this generation’s greatest hitters is returning to where he started his career and flourished. He will also reunite with Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright, long-time Cardinals who were alongside Pujols for his greatest seasons, including those two World Series championships.

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Pujols and the Cardinals were finalizing a one-year deal. Katie Woo of the Athletic had first reported there was “growing interest” in the organization in bringing him back. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported the sides were in agreement on a one-year, $2.5MM deal.

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View Comments (280)

Comments

  1. truthlemonade

    10 months ago

    Cool, he can play 3b on my “All Older Than Me Team.”

    Reply
    • thegreatbambi3

      10 months ago

      When you grab the first comment but this is all you can think of

      Reply
      • SocoComfort

        10 months ago

        Because the first comment is always so important in life

        Reply
        • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

          10 months ago

          It’s actually the first response to a comment that is essential

      • Francys01

        10 months ago

        The machine; the man is back. The great Albert Pujols is back were he belongs in St Louis. Welcome back, Woooo.

        Reply
        • afsooner02

          10 months ago

          Odd considering the amount of Cards fans on here that SWORE he wasn’t coming back when I mentioned it a few weeks ago because he didn’t make sense…..lol.

        • Captain Judge99

          10 months ago

          @Francys01- For one day or for the whole year? Phat Albert’s messing up all his Hall Of Fame #’s.

        • saluelthpops

          10 months ago

          Still doesn’t make sense.

        • iverbure

          10 months ago

          Other than the nostalgia factor the Cardinals could certainly find a better cheaper player in their farm system. Of course fans like the move because it’s a feel good story, one that ultimately fails.

        • Bud Selig Fan

          10 months ago

          .939 OPS vs LHP last season.

        • SocraticGadfly

          10 months ago

          Sucked in Dominican winter ball against pitchers period.

        • Win Cor

          10 months ago

          It makes sense if he platoons against lefties…and for mentoring and marketing….why not? 😉

        • bjupton100

          10 months ago

          He’ll crush lefties and you’re missing something. It’s Yadi, Wainwright, and probably Pujols last year, why not end their careers together winning a third world series.

        • Cosmo2

          10 months ago

          Because winning a World Series becomes difficult if your roster is based on nostalgia rather than present ability. And Albert in no way “crushes” lefties. He’s decent against them, but really not that great. Check out the stats.

        • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

          10 months ago

          @cosmo2….

          Last year, Albert had a .294 BA and .939 OPS
          against lefties…that is crushing, sir.

        • SocraticGadfly

          10 months ago

          A. He won’t “crush” lefties. With the Dodgers, he maybe “dinged” them, no more, and he sucked even worse in Dominican winter ball.
          B. He takes up a roster spot that could go to better use.
          C. Win the World Series!!! ???? Make me laugh. I’m a Cards fan and I give the team 50-50 odds, no better, of just making the playoffs. (My Cards season preview blog post will be up Friday.)
          “Best Fans in Baseball” strike again. …

        • SocraticGadfly

          10 months ago

          ahh, no, that’s NOT “crushing,” and I’m a Cards fan. Seriously, stuff like this is why fans of other teams dog on the “BFIB.”

        • SocraticGadfly

          10 months ago

          I didn’t swear he was coming back, but I sure as hell HOPED that a roster spot wouldn’t be wasted on him, AND at more than the MLB minimum to boot.

        • Dodgerbleu

          10 months ago

          That is absolutely crushing the ball against LHP. Nick Castellanos was 6th in baseball in OPS last year with exactly .939. The 5 people in front of him are bonafide crushers (Harper, Soto, Tati, Shohei and Vlad).

          Who wouldn’t want someone that hits like Castellanos v LHP? .939 v LHP was absolutely elite.

          You can argue he got lucky an his true talent v LHP is not a .939 OPS. That fair. Just can’t say that .939 isn’t good (unless you want to describe it as great or excellent).

        • thecoffinnail

          10 months ago

          Yes he does crush lefty relievers but he hits worse than a pitcher against righties. His OPS against them last year was .500 and his OPS against LH starters was only .776. At least with last years rule change where relief pitchers have to finish the inning he would be a solid pinch hitting upgrade to most of the lineup if the opposing team puts in a lefty. If that rule change never happened he would have gotten a 1 day contract. It would have been easy for teams to pitch around him.

        • budman_63755

          10 months ago

          Think again.

      • cmancoley

        10 months ago

        Soft

        Reply
      • SystemQB

        10 months ago

        Could be worse man. Over on the Guardians topics, we are being asked to coddle and let grown men vent online about a name change.

        Reply
        • Steinbrenner2728

          10 months ago

          It could be even way worse. Over on random articles like this one, we are being asked to coddle and let grown men get upset and having their feelings hurt about other grown men venting online about a name change.

        • Don Daddy

          10 months ago

          You can identify as whatever you desire, porkchop. That can also occur whilst acknowledging that their new name is pure rubbish. Guardians is an abhorrent name.

        • Hello, Newman

          10 months ago

          The only thing abhorrent, was that comment. Some of the most iconic team names are silly: Red Sox, White Sox, Dodgers, & Padres. It’s a team name that has absolutely no impact on you whatsoever, quit dragging it on. Bunch of pompous cry babies.

        • rodcannon

          10 months ago

          They should have renamed the team the Native Americans.

        • truthlemonade

          10 months ago

          Did you know that “porkchop” is a derogatory term for a variety of people? There was a minor league team with that name, but they changed it when people pointed this out.

        • TurnOffTheTV

          10 months ago

          They will always be the team formerly known as the Indians to me.

        • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

          10 months ago

          Duh, a no brainer to sign this man. DH (I hate it) is perfect for him. Case closed

        • SocraticGadfly

          10 months ago

          DH in a beer league softball team, maybe.

        • Not a clever name

          10 months ago

          It’s a great name, for a childrens cartoon. Maybe a few action figures that may you can piece together to make a bigger action figure. For a baseball team though, even Kenny lofton and Albert Belle want to change the team they went into the hall under, oh never mind lofton never got in. Maybe if he had won a World Series, but to do that in the last 75 years it wouldn’t have been in Cleveland. Even Oakland fans are glad they aren’t Indian err guardian fans.

        • Hippyripper

          10 months ago

          The Guardians already tried that

    • MrAngelFan

      10 months ago

      Sorry, we, the Angels, broke the Machine.

      Reply
      • HalosHeavenJJ

        10 months ago

        Nah. Given Albert started that contract at age 35 the Angels had no chance of getting good value. Had we gotten the last three years in St. Louis (his actual age 32-35 years) then lopped off his age 42-45 seasons at the end it looks much better.

        But Arte believed what he wanted to believe and wasted a quarter billion.

        Reply
      • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

        10 months ago

        You didn’t break anything, you just stalled it.

        Reply
    • geg42

      10 months ago

      There are no ball players older than me. Not since Fernando Rodney pitched in the World Series.

      Reply
      • hiflew

        10 months ago

        Mine goes back to the last time Bartolo Colon waddled off the mound.

        Reply
      • Lee Mazzilli for HOF

        10 months ago

        I’m finished too but with Brqdy coming back I still have the NFL.

        Reply
    • JR K.

      10 months ago

      I’m 45, he can also play on mine.

      Reply
  2. thegreatbambi3

    10 months ago

    Will Smith slap me I must be dreaming

    Reply
    • phenomenalajs

      10 months ago

      Well played.

      Reply
    • DonnyElementary

      10 months ago

      Yeah, I thought that was an Andy Kaufman type hoax at first but it looks like that was real. Probably wasn’t the first time Chris Rock was slapped over a joke.

      Reply
      • truthlemonade

        10 months ago

        It can be both. Will Smith actually slapped Chris Rock, but it was staged. Rock seemed to be leaning into it and preparing for impact.

        The Academy gets publicity

        Will Smith looks like a good husband. I guess. To some people.

        Chris Rock gets publicity for his upcoming tour, and he can say people are too sensitive.

        Or not, it might have not been staged.

        Reply
        • DonnyElementary

          10 months ago

          Im guessing it was real based on what was said in the acceptance speech. It wasn’t out of character for either of those guys. Will Smith has some crazy in him and Chris Rock has been a jagoff.

        • RemoveManagerWinsFromTheRecordBooks

          10 months ago

          That was 100% real anger when he twice screamed at Rock.

        • SCOTTG3

          10 months ago

          Jada Pinkett ain’t dying of cancer. She has a vanity ailment called alopecia. If a person can choose the worst thing that could affect you, it would be near the top.
          Will Smith wanted to look big and bad in reaction (or contrived reaction, he heard the joke during rehearsals the day before) to a 5 second joke comparing Jada to the Demi Moore role that was incredibly empowering to women. Wow what a terrible thing…
          He’s lucky Chris Rock doesn’t want to blow things up even more by suing him or filing police charges.

        • Pads Fans

          10 months ago

          The Oscars ratings had been plummeting since the turn of the century. In 2021 it reached an all time low.

          They needed publicity. It was staged. Smith had already heard the joke in rehearsals as MANY people have already said.

          I guarantee more people will watch next year and both Smith and Rock will be back.

      • rct

        10 months ago

        Chris Rock should have come back out later in one of those oversized neck collar braces.

        Reply
        • Teufelshunde4

          10 months ago

          Just in Will Smith to star in Kevin Smith’s long awaited hockey film, Hit Somebody.

    • fox471 Dave

      10 months ago

      Great bambini: well played, sir. Well played!

      Reply
    • Shaun owens

      10 months ago

      Hit me with a rock

      Reply
      • Brew88

        10 months ago

        Keep will smith out of this

        Reply
        • blueboy714

          10 months ago

          the picher or the catcher?

        • Geno55

          10 months ago

          Will Smith sucks he should be banned from their Oscars

        • isolatedpower

          10 months ago

          Shut up Geno Smith

        • hiflew

          10 months ago

          Give him a break. That was his first hit in years.

        • DonnyElementary

          10 months ago

          They should all get together like Spiderman and randomly slap people.

        • Cobby

          10 months ago

          Why? He went yard 25 times.

    • iverbure

      10 months ago

      Will Smith just became a target for every late night host and comedian. If he no sells the comment, cancel culture goes after Chris Rock and rock looks bad. Now Smith, looks terrible and he becomes a target in public with anyone who wants to become a millionaire.

      Reply
      • bronyaur

        10 months ago

        Why don’t we keep the People magazine celebrity crap out of MLBTR…?

        Reply
    • Hippyripper

      10 months ago

      I’m excited to see Albert Pujols play again in Cardinals uniform! Was such a monster from 01-11, the best pure hitter I’ve ever seen

      Reply
    • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

      10 months ago

      Will, I’m here to Rock your world

      Reply
  3. sean-11

    10 months ago

    Lol what is happening? Get pitching

    Reply
  4. DarkSide830

    10 months ago

    home – at last

    Reply
  5. moe 3

    10 months ago

    Yahoo!!!

    Reply
  6. StlSwifty

    10 months ago

    Whooo hooo!

    Reply
  7. bucsfan0004

    10 months ago

    When is MLB implementing the designated runner?

    Reply
    • kellin

      10 months ago

      Isn’t thats what’s called pinch running?

      Reply
      • bucsfan0004

        10 months ago

        No, I was thinking someone to run to first base for him. MLB has implemented all kinds of stupid rules lately, and now they have player-specific rules. So why not? Pujols still makes contact with the bat.

        Reply
        • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

          10 months ago

          This is for the tender footed, called the “design runner”. They must be dressed & have appropriate make up.

    • geg42

      10 months ago

      Babe Ruth had a designated runner towards the end of his career.

      Reply
      • Curveball1984

        10 months ago

        No he didn’t. The was a BS myth perpetrated by the fictional 1992 film “The Babe”. 95% of that film is pure fiction. Was Ruth pinch ran by Sammy Byrd late in games? Yes. Did Ruth have Designated Runner with the Braves? No.

        Reply
        • iverbure

          10 months ago

          I bet people who make stuff up like this have hated the internet for years. Since everyone started carrying phones I get called out on my BS a lot more. I bet these are the people that started the not everything you read on the internet is real argument.

      • geg42

        10 months ago

        Courtesy runners definitely existed. Maybe George didn’t use one. But others did.

        Reply
  8. Dotnet22

    10 months ago

    Prettt cool. Hope he helps the team.

    Reply
  9. braves fan 138

    10 months ago

    Good for him, last dance

    Reply
  10. FredMcGriff for the HOF

    10 months ago

    lol

    Reply
  11. wanamba1

    10 months ago

    Never should have left.

    Reply
    • Dom2

      10 months ago

      Cards are lucky he did.

      Reply
      • Hippyripper

        10 months ago

        They spent that money on the real MVP, Yadier Molina

        Reply
  12. cvarneski

    10 months ago

    All is right in the world again.

    Reply
  13. Ully

    10 months ago

    Good to see him go back to where it all started.

    Reply
  14. uvmfiji

    10 months ago

    As a hitter?

    Reply
  15. Buster79

    10 months ago

    If it’s not an overpay I like it. Their bench was bad the last couple of years. If he hits 230 and 15 homers that’s an upgrade from what they were doing.

    Reply
    • dsett75

      10 months ago

      $2.5 million. Not bad if he hits double digit HR’s.

      Reply
      • johnrealtime

        10 months ago

        It is if it comes with a .650 OPS

        Reply
        • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

          10 months ago

          Platoon DH…

          Last year, against lefties, he had a .294 BA and .939 OPS. For $2.5 million? What’s so hard to understand?

        • Hippyripper

          10 months ago

          The Cardinals have struggled against left handed pitching last few years to me its a no brainer

  16. stan lee the manly

    10 months ago

    YYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS

    Reply
  17. Mario93

    10 months ago

    Just retire already. I love how teams pretend like Pujols still offers any value as a player. You want him for leadership? Ask him to retire and ask him to help coach. Pujols is god awful. It was time to hang it up half a decade ago, if not more.

    Reply
    • Ronk325

      10 months ago

      Pujols still crushes left hand pitching so he has value as a designated hitter and a pinch hitter against lefties. Look at his usage with the Dodgers last year

      Reply
      • stymeedone

        10 months ago

        He can still hit lefties, but last years numbers don’t say “crush”.

        Reply
        • Ronk325

          10 months ago

          Pujols had a .939 OPS against lefties last year. I’d say the word “crush” is appropriate

        • SheaGoodbye

          10 months ago

          True, but his underlying metrics don’t exactly scream repeat. A 50% groundball rate and a 31.7% HR/FB ratio? If that profile sticks I doubt he has anywhere near the same year against lefties. And his pitiful baserunning is likely going to sap whatever value he may have.

          Of course, he’s just a bench guy and the marketing alone probably makes this signing worth it. It just wouldn’t surprise me if he’s merely pretty good against lefties.

    • alex.6

      10 months ago

      Downvote

      Reply
      • tstats

        10 months ago

        Upvote the downvote

        Reply
        • dsett75

          10 months ago

          I upvote the upvote to the downvote. He still crushes lefties and is probably near another milestone. Which is probably part of the reason it happened.

    • stan lee the manly

      10 months ago

      Tell me you don’t watch baseball without telling me you don’t watch baseball.

      Reply
    • Lyman Bostock

      10 months ago

      You obviously haven’t seen his platoon splits. He’s a left killer. He also brings intangibles to the game. It’s not like they paid him big money either. This move is proper for his last year.

      Reply
      • windmill_noise_causes_cancer

        10 months ago

        InTaNgIbLeS. GoOd ClUbHoUsE gUy.

        Reply
        • stan lee the manly

          10 months ago

          Crushes lefties to the tune of 146 wRC+ in 2021. But ya, even with a shiny new DH spot, HeS tOtAlLy UnUsAbLe AnD wOrThLeSs

        • windmill_noise_causes_cancer

          10 months ago

          Oh, wow. What team couldn’t use that?! I’m sure there was an all out bidding war for his services.

        • iverbure

          10 months ago

          Or maybe they probably started out those very people you’re criticizing. Hiflew also thought Ian Desmond was a good deal for the Rockies so just mute him everyone.

        • stan lee the manly

          10 months ago

          Per Cardinals beat writer Katie Woo, there were at least four other teams vying for his services, but he wanted to come back to St. Louis. So ya, I think I will trust the people paid to evaluate MLB talent moreso than a random person on MLBTR message board lol

      • bucsfan0004

        10 months ago

        Definitely an upgrade over Matt Carpenter.

        Reply
      • Skeptical

        10 months ago

        Dig deeper in his splits and the picture is a yes-and-no. According to Baseball Reference, against LH starters, he batted was .258 with an OPS of .776 and with eight homers. No exactly crushing. AgainstLH relievers, it was a different story. His average was .667 (8 for 12) with five homers. Definitely crushing.

        Reply
    • hiflew

      10 months ago

      Or maybe…just maybe…these guys running big league franchises know more about baseball than someone with a Fangraphs subscription and a championship or two on OOTP.

      Reply
    • Pads Fans

      10 months ago

      .254/.299/.460/.759 overall and .294/.336/.603/.939 vs LHP. That is real value with the bat. Its too bad that you have all that hate and no common sense.

      Reply
      • SheaGoodbye

        10 months ago

        Look at his splits going back several years against lefties. His numbers are hardly impressive outside of 2021. Moreover, a 50% groundball rate and a 31.7% HR/FB ratio are not conducive to having anywhere near the same year power-wise (for reference, the latter would put him 3rd on the MLB leaderboard by a fair margin)

        Not a terrible signing for the marketing/off chance he repeats, but I would put money down on him not being significantly worse against lefties this year (say, a bit above average) with his poor baserunning killing whatever value he may have on the field.

        Reply
  18. InherentVice

    10 months ago

    In an era when most teams build for the future, the Cardinals continue to insist that building for yesterday is the way to go. That roster spot could have gone to a younger, better player, but the Cards decided they’d rather pursue ticket and merchandise revenue.

    Reply
    • baseballpun

      10 months ago

      I doubt a young player would be well-served getting 10-15 ABs a week.

      Reply
      • InherentVice

        10 months ago

        I said younger. So, you know, anybody under 40. But someday soon, a more qualified player is going to get called into the manager’s office and told that he’s going to AAA, and I’m sure he’ll really appreciate the chance for more minor league at bats, and I’m sure the Cardinals will win more games because of it.

        Reply
        • Samuel

          10 months ago

          OK InherentVice…….

          Most ML teams use between 22-26 position players on their roster in a season. Any “qualified” position player under 40 in the Cardinals organization that is near the major leagues will get chances in 2022.

          As for bringing in a living legend of St. Louis baseball…..

          Now I understand that what I wrote above won’t impress you or all the others making fun of the the man, but it does in the adult world of MLB. Albert Pujols is what he is – a first ballot Hall Of Famer with a bit left to help a team in a limited role for one season. I’ll tell you who that does impress: players on the Cardinals roster starting with Yadi, Wainwright, Goldschmidt, and Arenado – who could give a crap about some guy under 40 that can’t make a 13-14 man position player roster on his own.

          This signing jacks up the city of St. Louis and Cardinals fans around the world, They will be going all out to win in 2022; and not because some guy under 40 gets 100-150 AB’s.

          I’m a Brewer rooter (among other teams) and look forward to the competition in 2022 between those two superior teams. It’ll be fun for me to watch. It’s great for MLB and MLB fans.

        • InherentVice

          10 months ago

          There’s an old front office saying: If you think like a fan, soon you’ll be sitting with them. Bringing Pujols back is a nice a story, but I prefer stories that end with a team winning a championship, not competing for second place in the worst division in MLB. No matter how “impressed” they are, all the players you named have their best years behind them, and adding a lead weight like Pujols is only going to sink the ship faster.

        • Roll

          10 months ago

          Lets say you bring in the “younger guy” that hits maybe 240 and 15 hr as a primary pinch hitter / platoon dh / and maybe play the field once a week. instead of Pujols. What will this accomplish? stunting someones growth from the minor leagues as they may get 10 – 15 at bats a week as mentioned above? This spot is tailor made for guy like pujols, nelson cruz, etc etc. They will not cost a ton, be happy in a rolethat wont take a huge toll on their body and maybe extend their career an extra year or two.

          In this case, i think this is a last hurrah for Wainwright, Molina, and Pujols. As you said before, “If you think like a fan, soon you’ll be sitting with them..” They are not thinking like a fan this is more a business move, Do you think the advertising of Molina, Wainwright, and bringing in of “random younger guy” will bring in more people to the stadium , sell more jerseys , etc etc that will bring in more revenue which is what ownership wants. Or do you think the last last hurrah of 3 legendary players of your team competing towards their last another championship 2 of which were key pieces to winning your last world series. .

          Lets also not forget Pujols is not that far off from hitting his 700th career homerun. The revenues that will bring in towards the end of the season if he is close will be nuts. It is not outrageous to think he could reach it since he needs 21 and hit 17 last year as a backup 1b and starting 50 games. The next closest is in the 500 hr range in Miggy who is 38 so it will probably be a long time before we see anything like this again.

        • Outfield Fly

          10 months ago

          However much it might pain Cardinals fans, at 2.5 million if you need to you can cut him, or bench him or use him in blowouts only or transition him to a coaching position.

        • tstats

          10 months ago

          Samuel you cheer for a lot of teams but it never biases you, respect.

        • Skeptical

          10 months ago

          Reminds us what many of us don’t want to be reminded of: MLB is entertainment. Whether you think the signing makes StL more competitive or not, it is hard to dispute that this is a good marketing move, a fan favorite. Farewell tour for Pujols, Yadi and Wainwright, should draw in lots of fans.

        • Hippyripper

          10 months ago

          Mozaliak “sitting with fans” let me laugh about that for a few moments? All Mozeliak has done is win? Give me a gm with a better track record over the last 15 years?

    • alex.6

      10 months ago

      Boo

      Reply
    • rct

      10 months ago

      The Cardinals have been to the playoffs in 15 of the last 21 seasons and have won two World Series in that span (with only one losing season). Maybe we shouldn’t be questioning their approach as they’re one of the most successful franchises in the game over the last two decades.

      Reply
      • themed

        10 months ago

        Amen one of the most successful teams in the last 25 years for sure. I am elated my sons are elated and now my grandsons can see the legend actually play for the St Louis Cardinals. Cardinal fans everywhere share my excitement this morning. This is a great day!

        Reply
        • stymeedone

          10 months ago

          I got to see Al Kaline play at the end of his career, and having never seen him at his prime, and mostly as a DH, came away thinking he sucked. I’m doubtful your grandsons will consider him a Legend from what they see, sadly.

        • themed

          10 months ago

          He’s already a legend for what he’s accomplished. They will be thrilled as will I.

    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      10 months ago

      Well, it *is* primarily a business. Whether we as fans want it to be considered as such is another matter, but the owners sure do.

      Reply
    • triumph13

      10 months ago

      He’s 21 HRs from 700. With the DH rule, he may actually get the plate appearances to get close this year.

      That sells tickets. That sells merchandise. Cards don’t need him in my opinion, but it’s those ‘feel good’ storylines that has benefits beyond the box scores.

      Reply
    • RazorRamonie

      10 months ago

      It is a big business jersey sales and nostalgic fans will come to just see him swing a couple times and now after this year it will be him and Greinke on the HOF ballot in 2027

      Reply
    • Pads Fans

      10 months ago

      Two ways to look at it.

      What younger player on the Cardinals roster had a .759 OPS overall and .939 OPS vs LHP? None.

      What younger player would have sold more tickets than Pujols? None.

      Reply
      • jimthegoat

        10 months ago

        What younger player can hit RHP’s better than Pujols? All.

        What arm do most pitchers throw with? Right.

        What younger player can field better than Pujols? All.

        What smart, analytically inclined GM signs guys because “They’ll sell tickets?” None.

        Reply
        • Hippyripper

          10 months ago

          “Because they’ll sell tickets”

          John Mozeliak: hold my Budwieser

    • SheaGoodbye

      10 months ago

      “That roster spot could have gone to a younger, better player, but the Cards decided they’d rather pursue ticket and merchandise revenue.”

      As they probably should with that roster spot. What are we talking about in terms of WAR added here? .5 at most? I’ll take the marketing, thanks.

      Reply
      • Hippyripper

        10 months ago

        Pujols was worth negative WAR last year, he was over 100 before -.06 last year

        Reply
  19. KingZeke8

    10 months ago

    Good for him. Don’t expect much of him but you never know. To see him have one last OK season as a Card would be pretty cool.

    Reply
  20. Rsox

    10 months ago

    Welcome back to St.Louis Albert. After all the labor nonsense putting a damper on things Baseball needed a nice story going in to the new season and the Albert/Yadi/Waino farewell tour may just be the “feel good” story the game needs

    Reply
    • Pads Fans

      10 months ago

      It will be even better if they make the playoffs. Now all they need is more pitching.

      Reply
  21. ARC 2

    10 months ago

    Cardinals also announced they will be adding more handicap spaces in the player’s parking lot.

    Reply
    • alex.6

      10 months ago

      Salty

      Reply
  22. windmill_noise_causes_cancer

    10 months ago

    lel

    Reply
  23. CubsTroll

    10 months ago

    Ugh

    Reply
  24. SFGLifer

    10 months ago

    Nice, it’ll be big fun to see his homecoming in STL…

    Reply
  25. mlb1225

    10 months ago

    As a baseball fan, I’m very happy to see Pujols back in STL. Going out with Yadi and Wainwright makes a great story. As a Pirate fan, I’m dreading facing him. Doesn’t matter how old he is. He will hit multiple home runs off Pirates pitchers this year.

    Reply
  26. YankeesBleacherCreature

    10 months ago

    It’s a homecoming! Good for him and Cards fans.

    Reply
  27. The Fantasy Stud

    10 months ago

    I couldn’t be more happy! All the ingredients are now in place for a magical season!
    2022! Bring us one more World Series boys!

    Reply
  28. baseballpun

    10 months ago

    Holding out the faintest of hope that they’ll make a move for Manaea as well.

    Reply
    • Bradleyd222

      10 months ago

      Agree 100%, I hear they need a 1B…. Yepez is perfect in a trade package.

      Reply
      • bighiggy

        10 months ago

        After adding pujols, and with Wainwright, molina and pujols likely retiring(I think if pujols is close to 700 without being over he may play another season) they may make some last minute trades to maybe go out on top. I love them bringing him back, but they need some pitchers badly if they really want to go out on top

        Reply
  29. Brad Yount

    10 months ago

    Welcome Back Albert! At least you’ll be uograde over what matt carpenter did last 3 years anyway!

    Reply
    • tstats

      10 months ago

      A stale wheat loaf is worth more than no bat Matt

      Reply
  30. mrshyguy99

    10 months ago

    Thanks to the dh this man never has to touch a glove again

    Reply
  31. dominikk85

    10 months ago

    I wonder if that makes sense from a roster construction aspect.

    Pujols was still good against lefties last year (930 ops or so) but he was super bad against righties and can’t run or field.

    Do you want to waste a roster spot on a short side platoon DH who starts 1-2 times a week and gets a few more PH opportunities on top of that?

    Many teams nowadays don’t even carry a big side platoon or full time DH and instead rotate multi position guys though DH to keep extra roster spots for extra relievers so carrying a short side platoon DH/pinch hitter who can’t do anything else seems like an anachronism in an age where teams prefer to have short benches with multi position guys to carry extra pitchers.

    Reply
    • FrontOfficeStan

      10 months ago

      Roster construction? 1 year for 2.5 million is going to bring in much more than what they spend. It’s just a good business decision, leads to positive press, and the feeling that something magical can happen this year for all the optimists out there.

      Your thinking is spot on though.

      Reply
    • CNichols

      10 months ago

      I think their primary DH is projected to be Dickerson who has platoon splits. His career OPS is .708 off LHP as opposed to .845 against RHP, so if you’re able to support that with Pujols’ .939 OPS off lefties last year, so you end up with 2 different mediocre players combining to be one good DH.

      Another way of thinking of it is you’re getting about the same production as Nelson Cruz, but for half the salary and it costs you 2 roster spots. It’s definitely an upgrade in one very specific area, so I think it could be worth it.

      Reply
      • dominikk85

        10 months ago

        It definitely is a productive situation but it also means you basically have two roster spots for DH (dickerson can play Of in a pinch but not great).

        I’m not against platooning DH but keeping a short side platoon guy at DH who might get 250-300 PAs seems like a waste of a spot that could stress the rest of the roster

        Reply
        • rms823

          10 months ago

          Sure Dickerson isn’t as good of an OF as what we got but he won GG in 2018. I don’t think it would take a pinch to start him a game out there.

    • Ted

      10 months ago

      28 man roster provides more flexibility for Pujols than the old 25

      Reply
      • HalosHeavenJJ

        10 months ago

        28 is only for a month, though. 26 will be the rest of the year.

        However, that 26th spot being open is what allows this. With a 25 man no team keeps 2 DH’s.

        Reply
  32. JAMES JACOBSEN

    10 months ago

    Maybe Atlanta will sign Freddie in 2028?

    Reply
  33. SupremeZeus

    10 months ago

    Pujols bobblehead day will be on Aug 21 and is sponsored by Geritol

    Reply
    • isolatedpower

      10 months ago

      Jerseys sponsored by Aspercreme

      Reply
  34. notnamed

    10 months ago

    you can never go home, but we’ll see

    Reply
  35. Fink Ployd

    10 months ago

    Why not? Last year his average exit velocity was 90.3. Correa’s was 90.2. Albert and Bryan Reynolds had the same 7.1 Barrels per Plate Appearance.

    The Cardinals don’t need a nostalgia draw to fill the seats because they’ve had among the best attendance for at least the last decade, I think second only to the Dodgers. But the home crowd will love it anyway. And, like Van Morrison said:

    “Now all you got to remember
    After all, it’s just show biz.”

    Reply
    • tstats

      10 months ago

      Interesting points, didn’t know that about Phat Albert! I assumed watching him the ball was being hit well but not *that* well

      Reply
  36. madmanTX

    10 months ago

    Arte Moreno just offered 10 years, 200 mil.

    Reply
  37. Rangers29

    10 months ago

    Now just use him effectively and don’t let him flail in front of the fans.

    Reply
  38. Amanda

    10 months ago

    hes not retiring for 1 reason,
    he needs 21 home runs to reach 700, a MAGICAL number that will be amazing to watch just as a baseball fan, i hope he gets it and im glad hes where he belongs, to this day the angels deal NEVER made sense because the teams were always so bad, 10 years- no playoffs past the first round, i wont lie i would have loved him teeing off the green monster,
    and the chris rock thing was not staged, did you see will smith? he was LIVID, generally pist, that wasnt an act, i also found the fact that chris rock whos last movie was… 2000? ya, doesnt seem like he should have been at the biggest night for movies. Like you have Anthony Hopkins then Chris rock.. lol.

    Reply
    • Fink Ployd

      10 months ago

      Chris Rock has been in over 30 movies and in three just last year, He’s also produced and directed movies. Do you think he doesn’t know how to do a staged slap? Not saying tonight’s was staged, but just saying. They’re both actors.

      Reply
      • Hippyripper

        10 months ago

        Wait I thought Will Smith hit a home run off Will Smith and they were both Caucasian males? Neither were actors at all

        Reply
  39. Amanda

    10 months ago

    i hope/wish st Louis plays in boston this year, id love to see him in person, even as a DH

    Reply
    • iibng76

      10 months ago

      You’re getting your wish. June 17-19 at Fenway.

      Reply
  40. YakAttack

    10 months ago

    Signing a 52 year old to sell tickets.

    Reply
  41. Edp007

    10 months ago

    Scenario 1) hitting .179 with 3 dingers and retires to a packed house hot night in July in St louie,
    Scenario 2) hits 240 with 22 dingers… reaches 700 plus…retires a hero
    Scenario 3) same 240 but 15/17 dingers. .decent enough he feels to .hang on for 2023 for 700… a cardinal again? gotta be

    which will it be?

    Reply
    • John Rocker fan club

      10 months ago

      Probably will retire when the roster size shrinks unless he’s productive.

      Reply
    • isolatedpower

      10 months ago

      .221 with 7 hr and 32 rbi .272 obp

      Reply
    • Hippyripper

      10 months ago

      I’m hoping for 2 but 3 seems more likely

      Reply
  42. awawra

    10 months ago

    Who said there was no romance in baseball ?

    Reply
  43. Cosmo2

    10 months ago

    Not a bad deal at all but I wouldn’t expect much.

    Reply
  44. positively_broad_st

    10 months ago

    It’s going to be some kind of awkward if the Cards end up releasing him during the season. That’s always the down side to these coming back home stories…

    Reply
    • stan lee the manly

      10 months ago

      It would most likely be a retirement rather than a release.

      Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      10 months ago

      For $2.5M, I highly doubt they’d release him. It would be bad optics. Fine for any other team, but not for the Cards.

      Reply
    • kwolf68

      10 months ago

      He won’t be released he’ll go on the “injured list”.

      Reply
  45. 48-team MLB

    10 months ago

    This means that Freeman will retire a Brave at the end of 2028.

    Reply
  46. Dorothy_Mantooth

    10 months ago

    He’s 21 HRs shy of 700 for his career. It would be amazing if he’s able to get enough at bats in St. Louis this year to reach that amazing milestone! I’d like to think Albert played the game cleanly and will be a first ballot hall-of-famer. Great sign of respect by St. Louis to re-sign him. Let’s hope it pays off with at least 21 HRs. St. Louis is all in on their star veterans this year (Waino, Yadi & Pujols). I’d love to see them carry this team into October somehow.

    Reply
  47. Amanda

    10 months ago

    awsome,
    i remember when barry bonds played here and just the sheer excitement, like actually SEEING in person how good he is, same with griffey, although to a lesser extent, boston played seattle alot, so it wasnt that uncommon, my favorite player has and always will be McGuire, never saw him play here in boston, but years ago i was lucky enough to see him with St Louis play the mets, dude hit 3 home runs in that game, epic night

    Reply
    • yeah, sure!

      10 months ago

      @Amanda I was lucky enough to see McGwire and Griffey go off in that Home Run Derby in ’99! McGwire’s hits to the mass pike were a sight to see.

      Steroids, schmeroids, taters are cool!

      Reply
  48. Amanda

    10 months ago

    dont be surprised if pujols the veteran leader gets his team into october, just look at the david ortiz and the 2013 red sox, good team, not great, they just wanted it more than anyone else, plus last year they already made the playoffs. Still not sure why they fired their manager

    Reply
    • kwolf68

      10 months ago

      They don’t have the pitching to win. It’s the epitome of mediocre and that’s even with an injury prone regressing Jack Flaherty at the top of the rotation. Wainwright defies all odds and will give them innings but those other guys are bleh. They need to add another SP or two.

      Reply
  49. WillSmith

    10 months ago

    Don’t talk about my wife!

    Reply
    • Curveball1984

      10 months ago

      “The load catcher of the entire rap community?” Is how Rock should’ve responded.

      Reply
  50. 17dizzy

    10 months ago

    Good Deal!!!!!
    Now let’s trade for a #1 or #2 starting pitcher!!!
    Then—- NL CHAMPS——- here we come!!!

    Reply
  51. aragon

    10 months ago

    yeah, he is 47 year old!

    Reply
  52. GarryHarris

    10 months ago

    Good move. The Cardinals will need a diversion while they’re out of contention from the lack of pitching.

    Reply
  53. CardsNation5

    10 months ago

    Look Pujols will DH against LH pitching. If it wasn’t for the DH coming to the NL, I don’t think that this signing happens. It’s only right that he finishes his career where it all started. He’s one of the greatest players ever. He’s definitely on the Mount Rushmore of players, because he was good defensively also. It’s only right that the 3 greatest Cardinals of this generation Pujols Wainwright and Molina walk off into the sunset together. This is going to be a season to remember here in St. Louis. Let’s go Cardinals!!!

    Reply
  54. JimmyForum

    10 months ago

    Jack Clark wanted 2yrs and a no trade.

    Reply
  55. hyraxwithaflamethrower

    10 months ago

    Not even a St. Louis fan, but I was hoping he’d sign back there so he could retire as a Cardinal. Just feels right.

    Reply
  56. Jacksson13

    10 months ago

    Done strictly for PR & an eye to increased attendance.

    Reply
    • Dotnet22

      10 months ago

      Yeah because Cardinals struggle with attendance…….

      Reply
  57. pwndroia

    10 months ago

    Back where it started. This deal is more than just paying for talent.

    Reply
  58. Don Daddy

    10 months ago

    All this while Gardy remains unsigned?! BLASPHEMY!

    Reply
    • Dotnet22

      10 months ago

      Ron Gardenhire can’t hit HRs anymore.

      Reply
  59. ❤️ MuteButton

    10 months ago

    Sort of a feel good return to your roots type of move like the Royals and Zack Greinke. I would say Greinke has more left in the tank though.

    Reply
  60. TomL

    10 months ago

    Congrats from a Cubs fan. Hope either gets booed or cheered his first at bat back at Wrigley but can’t wait to see him get K’d by Hendricks.

    Reply
    • Curveball1984

      10 months ago

      Pujols always slayed @ Wrigley. You just know he’s gonna hit bombs there, especially against overrated Hendricks. Kyle actually has pitches Albert can catch up to.

      Reply
      • TomL

        10 months ago

        Sure when he was in his 20’s. Simple changeup with elevated 4-seamer and Albert has, in the words of Kap, NO CHANCE.

        This super-villain probably earner a standing ovation in his last Wrigley AB from the Chicago faithful, we appreciate the rivalry. Yadi can disappear for 10 years and come back and get one too.

        Reply
  61. LordD99

    10 months ago

    A nice story in March, but one that could turn ugly come June.

    Reply
    • jim stem

      10 months ago

      I don’t know. I would like to believe that his experience and approach would run off on the younger players. Not to mention, the reunion just having his clubhouse presence and pitcher knowledge can only be a positive. If Albert chose to, I think he could have a heck of a second career as a hitting coach.

      Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      10 months ago

      Yeah, here’s the problem with these types of grand finale stories. Say he hits 10 or even 15 homers, he’s going to want to come back again next year. He’s not committing to leaving after this year & why would he. $2.5M at 42?

      Reply
      • LordD99

        10 months ago

        Or, the other side of the problem. He’s hitting .160 with 5 HRs come June, not providing production when he DH’s, has no defensive value, on a team expected to contend. The Angels can cut Pujols, but the Cardinals won’t. Would he do like A-Rod and “retire” midseason? If not, yeah, things can get ugly.

        Reply
  62. egrossen

    10 months ago

    Besides the nostalgia, it is worth mentioning a Pujols/Dickerson platoon could be somewhat effective. Pujols hit .294/.336 against LHP, and Dickerson .277/.330 against RHP last season.

    Reply
  63. cubfanforever

    10 months ago

    Cardinals, only team in baseball with a combination of 3 guys who total 100 years old.

    I will say, they are still pretty effective.

    Reply
    • Dunedin020306

      10 months ago

      CubFanForever – “Cardinals only team in baseball with a combination of 3 guys who total 100 years old.”

      You might want to check your math. It doesn’t take much for a team to have 3 guys add up to 100 years old. You probably meant 120 years old.

      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        10 months ago

        Also after a quick google search, the Mets are older than the Cardinals.

        Reply
    • ❤️ MuteButton

      10 months ago

      I would say at least half of the teams have three guys that total 100 years, more than likely almost all teams do

      Reply
  64. isolatedpower

    10 months ago

    Is Pujols good for a 42 year old? Yes
    Is Pujols $2.5 million dollars good? No
    The amount of Cards fans talking about how he’s good against lefties and he’s a locker room influence is bologna. Finding a right hander who can hit lefties is very easy. Pujols can’t be relied on to play 1b. He’s even slower than when he left. I love Albert but I think the cards did this out of opportunity rather than anything else

    Reply
    • baseballpun

      10 months ago

      It IS a business. I don’t think the last guy on the roster is going to make or break their season no matter who it is.

      Reply
  65. jim stem

    10 months ago

    And as they should. Allow this class act to take his victory lap, retire and be inducted into the Hall as a Cardinal. Respect to the Cardinals organization for this move. What an incredible career he has had. We may never see run production on the back of a baseball card like his ever again. I’m happy for Mr. Pujols that he gets this opportunity.

    Reply
    • ❤️ MuteButton

      10 months ago

      I have nothing against Albert, but why do we always call him a class act? Right now he’s hanging on taking a roster spot from somebody so he can get his career numbers. He didn’t leave the Cardinals because he wanted to do some great deed, he left because of greed just like most everyone else would.

      Reply
      • HalosHeavenJJ

        10 months ago

        Albert’s charity work is tremendous. He routinely meets up with kids/families before games with no media around. His fellow players like and respect him.

        Yes he was greedy and yes he lies about his age, but there’s a ton to like about Albert as well.

        Reply
        • ❤️ MuteButton

          10 months ago

          Okay, I got to tip my cap if he’s doing above and beyond

  66. 30 Parks

    10 months ago

    One more season in St. Louis then retired at 45 years old – enjoy. Proper thing.

    Reply
  67. slowcurve

    10 months ago

    Feels right. Hope he goes out strong.

    Reply
  68. jim stem

    10 months ago

    In 2021 Albert produced 17 homers and 50 rbi in fewer than 300 official at bats. If a 22 year old has these numbers he’s a phenom! It’s amazing how perceptions change.

    The short season in 2020, along with the lockout this year, may have given his body the break it needed to hopefully get two more years out of his career and 700 homeruns. He’d probably need more at bats than he’s going to receive this season alone. That’s a number we may never witness again because players today, with all the modern medicine, training techniques and data (that’s sarcasm), can’t produce into their 40’s as position players.

    On top of that, with the emphasis on fly balls, launch angles and hitting homeruns, players just don’t get on base for the run producers like they did 20 years ago. If not for Albert’s foot problems, his numbers may have argued that he was one of the five most productive hitters in the history of the game.

    If you’ve never done it, click on his name link above and just marvel at his games played, runs scored, total bases, rbi and batting average. He’s legendary, almost mythical, and most fans east of Ohio only had glimpses of him. Personally, I will stand and do the slow clap as he rounds the bases for #700.

    Reply
  69. Fred McGriff

    10 months ago

    Will all 3 retire at the end of 2022 season, that is the big question. Great to see Albert back as a St Louis Cardinal. Somehow I don’t think Freeman will get the same opportunity as an Atlanta Brave…

    Reply
    • Tdat1979

      10 months ago

      Yes. The bigger question is will all 3 play the whole year. I see 2 if not all 3 spending quite a bit of time on the injured list this year.

      Reply
  70. GoYanks

    10 months ago

    I can bet he’s announcing his retirement soon.

    Reply
  71. VonPurpleHayes

    10 months ago

    It feels right, and it’s a great story, but I don’t have confidence in Pujols ability to produce. I also don’t think the Cards are really a team that needs a better clubhouse leader or anything like that, but still it should be fun.

    Reply
  72. Tdat1979

    10 months ago

    Cardinals can sell those Wainwright/Molina/Pujols Retirement Tour tickets now. Good business deal in the form of increased tickets and merchandise.

    Reply
  73. Four4fore

    10 months ago

    Signing him is Okay, being reluctant to release him if does not produce could be the problem. I hope it all works out, but I have my doubts. Yepez is waiting at Memphis and should be getting regular ABs so let it play out and enjoy the buzz.

    Reply
    • Tdat1979

      10 months ago

      He won’t be released. They will just put him on the injured list until the last week of the season so he can retire a Cardinal.

      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        10 months ago

        Not if he wants to play. He wanted to start in Anaheim which caused some issues.

        Reply
        • Tdat1979

          10 months ago

          If he was on a non contender he definitely wanted to start. He didn’t want to sit on the bench as the team lost. He had no problem being a bench player on the Dodgers because they were winning and were a possible World Series team.

        • VonPurpleHayes

          10 months ago

          @Tdat1979 Thanks for that distinction. Good call.

  74. mike156

    10 months ago

    Slightly cynical take: Bring in Albert, delay the service time for Yepez and Gorman, and if either turn out to be even an average player, the $2.5M you’ve saved on Albert will be more than worthwhile.

    Reply
    • themed

      10 months ago

      Gorman doesn’t look to be ready yet and Yepez has not impressed either.

      Reply
      • baseballpun

        10 months ago

        If Gorman is going to move to 2nd permanently he probably needs some more time in the minors.

        Maybe Nootbaar can go to Oakland in a Manaea package.

        Reply
        • stan lee the manly

          10 months ago

          I would rather it be Sosa. Donovan looks like he can replace Sosa without too much of a change in ability and he can play even more positions than Sosa.

      • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

        10 months ago

        None of the young guys have shined much (albeit, small sample) this spring. I think that is driving this, to some extent.

        Still a good baseball decision.

        Platoon DH…

        Last year, against lefties, he had a .294 BA and .939 OPS. For $2.5 million.

        Reply
  75. DonnyElementary

    10 months ago

    Arte is checking his watch for Albert to start his 10 year personal services contract.

    Reply
  76. vaderzim

    10 months ago

    I really hope he gets at least 21 Home Runs this year and gets to 700. It would be sad if he fell just shy and retired at the end of the year, especially since the COVID shortened 2020 season could’ve been an opportunity to get tack on more for his total. Wonderful career though, and if this is his last year, I hope he goes out with a bang.

    Reply
  77. Long Suffering Guardians Fan

    10 months ago

    Hey Dolans – if you wanted to put people in the stands, this is what you should have done. He’d be a hell of a lot better option than Bobby Bradley at 1st.

    Reply
    • kwolf68

      10 months ago

      Pujols has no business playing first ever again. He’s a boat anchor and they need a crane to roll him out to first. Pujols honestly should be retired from the game., he does nothing well anymore other than hit lefties and no short side platoon defensively deficient player ever makes a roster. But Pujols does and for his career maybe he deserves it, but for any other team other than St.Louis it would be senseless to add him. It’s close to senseless for them, but I get the PR move and giving a Cardinals icon a chance to go out right.

      Reply
      • stan lee the manly

        10 months ago

        With a roster expanded by another two spots this year, this doesn’t make any sense. Even if “no short side platoon defensively deficient player ever makes a roster” was true (which it’s not), they now have 28 roster spots, three more than the traditional 25 in the past. It’s NEVER made more sense than this year.

        Reply
        • Pads Fans

          10 months ago

          Pujols hit.254/.299/.460/.759 overall with the Dodgers and .294/.336/.603/.939 vs LHP for the season.

          There is a DH. Pujols can still hit.

          It makes sense from both a PR and a hitting perspective.

      • Pads Fans

        10 months ago

        Kwolk, you should probably retire from commenting.

        Pujols hit.254/.299/.460/.759 overall with the Dodgers and .294/.336/.603/.939 vs LHP for the season. VS LHP he was an elite hitter.

        Reply
  78. joemoes

    10 months ago

    84 away from breaking bonds record have to wonder. Hope he has an amazing year some how and hits 30 home runs and keeps going he hit 17 last year so not out of the question but unlikely

    Reply
    • LordD99

      10 months ago

      Not happening. He’s 42 and fading. He’ll bat against lefty pitchers, the short side of the platoon. Be nice if he made it to 700, but that’ll take a couple seasons. This will be his final year.

      Reply
  79. Jack0207

    10 months ago

    Future Cardinals hitting coach

    Reply
  80. JimmyForum

    10 months ago

    Man are the cardinal fans brainwashed.

    Reply
    • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

      10 months ago

      Platoon DH…

      Last year, against lefties, he had a .294 BA and .939 OPS. For $2.5 million? What’s so hard to understand?

      Reply
  81. I'mNotSarcastic

    10 months ago

    As a Cardinal and just pure baseball fan, I think it’s a good thing. He’s not coming in as a savior or the last missing piece to the World Series. This is what it is, a PR ticket selling move, sure. Maybe he get hot and pops a few, to me that is worth the good feelings he’ll bring to the games. That last time of Albert, Wainwright, and Molina together will be something to see. Worst case scenario, he can’t hit all anymore and sits on the bench as an extra coach.

    Reply
    • stan lee the manly

      10 months ago

      A 146 wRC+ against lefties in 2021 is still elite level production – as long as he is used in the correct scenarios.

      Reply
  82. Echopark

    10 months ago

    At the risk of the obvious, so good.

    Reply
  83. Yanks2

    10 months ago

    Would’ve been a nice addition to platoon with Anthony Rizzo at 1B on the Yankees

    Reply
  84. terrymesmer

    10 months ago

    So much for my lockout prediction: “Angels sign Albert Pujols to $100 million one-day contract for retirement ceremony”

    Reply
  85. baseballpun

    10 months ago

    I don’t really understand people dumping on this move. First, I don’t think it hurts the team – might not help, either, but I don’t think it really moves the needle either way. But more to the point, seeing the careers of generational talent and players who have been important to your team is part of being a fan. There has to be more to watching the team season in and season out than just expecting championships. Even if the Cards went all in, blew up the budget, signed all the top FA’s, traded the farm for All-Stars, they’d still have probably, at best, a 20-ish% chance of winning it all. The Dodgers have been the most successful franchise in baseball for the past decade and they have one fake championship to show for it.

    I was too young to see Ozzie Smith in his heyday but I still have fond memories of seeing him in the early ’90s, including his last (or penultimate) Opening Day when I was 7 or 8. If the Cards have enough health in their pitching staff I think they’ll make the playoffs, which gives them a shot at a title. But it’s going to be a memorable season no matter what happens.

    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      10 months ago

      You’re not wrong. It was tough seeing my team (Phillies) part with some of their great core in 2013-2016. I’d argue that kept them too long in the first place, but as a fan you’d love to see them in the uniform one last time.

      Reply
      • baseballpun

        10 months ago

        And in this case, they DIDN’T keep Pujols too long. One year for negligible payroll as a pinch-hitter isn’t a big deal.

        Reply
    • drasco036

      10 months ago

      It’s the modern day version of Mr. 3000

      Reply
  86. Lars MacDonald

    10 months ago

    There’s a typo in the article. Pujols is 45, not 42 years old.

    Reply
    • Pads Fans

      10 months ago

      There is a typo in your comment. Pujols is 42. That you still believe the conspiracy theories about his age shows your gullibility.

      Reply
  87. prov356

    10 months ago

    Good for him.

    Reply
  88. Camden453

    10 months ago

    This will be nice. A nice reunion with Pujols and fans get to say their goodbyes to a Cardinals HOF’er

    To (bleep) with the haters that think it’s not optimal for team success or something

    Reply
  89. In nurse follars

    10 months ago

    Wish these old rich guys would just retire with dignity and class.

    Reply
  90. dmarcus15

    10 months ago

    Maybe the greatest money grab in St. Louis History!

    Reply
  91. Champs64

    10 months ago

    Welcome home Prince Albert. So good to see you with the Birds on the Bat again.

    Reply
  92. Pads Fans

    10 months ago

    This is a great signing. Pujols comes home to finish his career. Great PR and we know that people will buy tickets and come out to the park to see him on his farewell tour. Now that there is a DH in the NL he will platoon at DH.

    He showed last season with the Dodgers that he is still a decent hitter, especially against LHP. .254/.299/.460/.759 overall and .294/.336/.603/.939 vs LHP.

    There is no downside to this deal.

    Reply
  93. Johnny6789

    10 months ago

    good for him,and good for the cards …puts butts in the seats and he finishes where he started

    Reply
  94. wkkortas

    10 months ago

    This gets the band together, and it will look like the Genesis reunion tour that just concluded.

    Reply
  95. DocBB

    10 months ago

    Nice gesture…dumb baseball move signing a DH guy that can’t even ops+ above 100 anymore.

    Reply
    • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

      10 months ago

      Platoon DH…

      Last year, against lefties, he had a .294 BA and .939 OPS. For $2.5 million? What’s so hard to understand?

      Reply
  96. milff champion

    10 months ago

    I hate this organization with a passion but I like this move. Albert is a class act, unlike the pompous catcher and 90% of the fans, and it will be good to see him back home. Of course he’ll hit .211 and be a roadblock to the few decent minor leaguers they have and that’s great too.

    Reply
    • themed

      10 months ago

      Yadi is the nicest hardest greatest team player the Cardinals have ever had. You call him pompous I call him confident. One of the greatest catcher the game has ever seen.

      Reply
  97. YourDreamGM

    10 months ago

    A+++ 2.5 million in advertising couldn’t come close to the positive pr and revenue this move will bring. They got him for free. Actually making money off this deal.

    Reply
  98. SupremeZeus

    10 months ago

    This is just round 1. Pujols will have another pitiful year while ending the season short of 700 career HRs. Look for Nostalgia Tour Season 2: The Quest for 700 to hit theaters next April. The same Stockholm Syndrome suffering Redbird fans will be back advocating for just one more taste.

    Reply
    • Ol’ Uncle Charlie

      10 months ago

      Platoon DH…

      Last year, against lefties, he had a .294 BA and .939 OPS. For $2.5 million? What’s so hard to understand?

      Reply
  99. snowyphile1

    10 months ago

    Time to retire.

    Reply
  100. joew

    10 months ago

    still hammers lefties
    With the new DH in the NL (gag) he is a fair fit for DH platoon and back up 1b.

    I’m rooting for 3k hits and 700HR.

    Reply
  101. DonOsbourne

    10 months ago

    Welcome home “El Hombre”! The concerns and statistical reasonings of all the posters panning this signing are legitimate. However, it’s Albert Pujols! There aren’t a lot of comparable story lines to be found throughout the history of baseball. Especially considering the presence of Molina and Wainright and their ability to all ride off into the sunset together. For all the other arguments, I say this: The fate of the Cardinals season won’t be determined by the success or failure of the 26th or 28th man on the roster. This is a good team. They were a good team before Pujols signed. They are still a good team with him on board. Let’s get this season underway! All the arguments will be settled on the field. Let’s go Cards!

    Reply
  102. SloeGin

    10 months ago

    A lot of St. Louis fan are happy about this. It’s going to be so great when they realize he’s been terrible for the last six years and the world’s worst fan base starts shouting racial slurs at him.

    Reply
  103. snowyphile1

    10 months ago

    Keeping a rookie from making the team.

    Reply

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