36. Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols may no longer be the offensive threat he was when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals, but as The Machine winds down, his career will be remembered as one of the greatest in MLB history.
A truly beloved figure when he was in St. Louis, Pujols led the league in runs five times, home runs twice and in OPS three times as a member of the Cardinals. He has been a three time MVP, a six time Sliver Slugger and an All-Star nine times, with all but one coming during his time with St. Louis. Even though he has not been the same player with the Angels, Pujols has still retained that power stroke.
At age 36, Pujols is continuing his mark on the MLB record books. He is closing in on 3,000 hits and 600 home runs, while continuing to make contact more often than not when at the plate. He may no longer hit the ball with the same authority, but he still has enough pop in his bat to keep rising through the all time greats.
With Pujols production with the bat, his ability with the glove has been overlooked. He has won two Gold Gloves in his career, and has saved over 100 runs with his ability around first. Already in the top fifty in putouts, assists and double plays, he is certain to climb through that list before he ends up as the Angels designated hitter.
Albert Pujols is winding down his career before our eyes, but he still has a few more years left in his bat. It will be fascinating to see where he ends up in the record books once his career is over.
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