The Los Angeles Dodgers added Albert Pujols to their roster last season with the idea of him upgrading their bench, especially against left-handed pitching.
Pujols ended up being in the lineup more than initially envisioned due to injuries the club was dealing with as he started 18 of 30 games after signing with the Dodgers upon being released by the L.A. Angels.
As players returned from the injured list, Pujols shifted back to the bench role the Dodgers originally planned for him. Overall with L.A., he batted .254/.299/.460 with three doubles, 12 home runs and 38 RBI in 85 games (37 starts).
Pujols was back on the free agent market this past offseason and drew interest from multiple clubs. According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the St. Louis Cardinals are signing Pujols to a one-year contract:
BREAKING: The St. Louis Cardinals are finalizing a one-year deal with Albert Pujols, sources tell The Athletic. Pujols is expected to arrive in Jupiter, Fla. within the upcoming week. #STLCards https://t.co/l6fXOgV4Ug
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) March 28, 2022
Pujols spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Cardinals and presumably will wear their cap when he enters the Hall of Fame five years after he retires. With the Cardinals, he batted .328/.420/.617 and hit 455 of his 679 career home runs there.
The 42-year-old will likely continue to serve as a bench bat and potential designated hitter option as he chases 700 career home runs.
Recently, Pujols played in the Dominican Winter League to prepare for his 22nd season in the Major Leagues.
Muncy was open to Dodgers re-signing Pujols
Max Muncy was among those who quickly gravitated toward Pujols after he signed with the Dodgers last season.
Many within the Dodgers organization spoke highly of the addition throughout the season and Pujols’ influence could be found throughout the clubhouse and even on the field with numerous players having success while using his bat.
Whether it was the home run hugs or exploring his wealth of knowledge, Muncy explained that Pujols would once again be welcomed back with the Dodgers.
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