Albert Pujols reportedly reached out to St. Louis Cardinals about reunion

Albert Pujols‘ decision to leave the St. Louis Cardinals for the Los Angeles Angels shocked the baseball universe. It had been expected that he would remain in St. Louis throughout his career, the next franchise icon to spend his playing days wearing only a Cardinals’ uniform. His departure to Los Angeles was the end of an era that no one would have imagined.

Now, a decade later, the prodigal son may return. Pujols has reportedly reached out to the Cardinals about returning to the team in a limited capacity so as to finish his career where it all began.

Albert Pujols wants reunion with St. Louis Cardinals

For their part, the Cardinals have reportedly had brief internal conversations about bringing Pujols back. However, nothing is imminent, and the organization has not reached out to his representation about a reunion.

It is interesting that he would accept a lesser role to return to St. Louis. Pujols was released by the Angels in part because he would not accept such a role in Los Angeles. Perhaps the allure of returning home makes the difference, but it does make sense that he would regard that time with the Cardinals with a bit of nostalgia.

The problem is that the Cardinals really do not have a place for Pujols on the roster. Although he did play one inning at third this year, he has not spent much time at the position in over a decade. He is essentially a first baseman/designated hitter at this point, which would limit the Cardinals’ options to put him in the lineup.

In theory, the Cardinals do have an underperforming player on the roster who plays both corner infield positions. Matt Carpenter has actually performed worse than Pujols this season, with an OPS+ 15 points lower. However, Carpenter has a lot more defensive versatility than Pujols does, making that an imperfect swap.

Carpenter is also a Cardinals legend in his own right. Although he may not be at the same level as Pujols, Carpenter has been a key part of the Cardinals’ success since Pujols departed, a three time All Star who has become one of the leaders on the team. St. Louis is very cogniscent of the legacies of their players, and would not want Carpenter’s time to end in such a manner.

Albert Pujols is reportedly willing to take on a part time role to return to the St. Louis Cardinals. There just is not a fit for him on the roster.