St. Louis, MO — One of the all-time greats has returned to where it all started.
Albert Pujols signed a one-year $2.5 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2022 season. The 42-year-old first baseman will have the chance to bookend his career in true storybook fashion.
Pujols played his first 11 seasons in the big leagues in St. Louis. During his first stint with the redbirds, he won two World Series, three National League MVPs, and appeared in nine All-Star games.
His return to the ‘Lou will be in a part-time role. Pujols will likely take the designated-hitter role against lefties as well as a pinch-hitter in late-game scenarios.
Pujols left St. Louis during the 2011 offseason, after helping the Cardinals win the 2011 World Series. He would sign a 10-year $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Pujols stayed with the Angles until last season when they released him with just four months remaining on his contract.
Pujols played nine seasons with the Angles. Over those nine seasons, he made one playoff appearance. He also reached quite a few individual milestones; 500 home runs, 600 home runs, and 3,000 hits while playing with the Halos.
The veteran would find new life across town with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. He thrived as a bench bat and locker-room leader, in his role he posted a .953 OPS against lefties.
Last Dance
Since leaving the Cardinals in the 2011 offseason, Pujols has played at Busch Stadium just a handful of times. The first time came eight years after leaving, in 2019. The Angles played a three-game series against the Cardinals and Pujols was showered with love from the Cardinals fans. He would receive a standing ovation in all 12 of his plate appearances during that series in 2019. A home run to deep left would send the St. Louis crowd into a frenzy.
The love for Pujols was still alive in St. Louis. Since that series in 2019, there have been hints of a reunion between Pujols and the Cardinals.
The love is there because the fans remember just how great Pujols was while wearing a Cardinals uniform. Pujols hit .328 with 445 home runs during his 11-year stint with the team.
It seems very fitting that he returns in 2022.
Pujols will be reunited with former teammates Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina. Molina and Wainwright have been lifelong Cardinals and could very likely retire alongside Pujols after the 2022 season.
Pujols is just 21 home runs away from 700, but he won’t just be looking for personal success. Pujols as well as Molina and Wainwright will no doubt look to bring one last World Series championship back to St. Louis if this is their last dance.
