Albert Pujols returning to St. Louis Cardinals is inevitable

It is time for the prodigal son to return home to the St. Louis Cardinals.

After a decade away from the franchise, Albert Pujols is set to enter free agency once again. Unlike last time, his market will not be nearly as robust, as it is clear that he is ending the end of the road. In fact, it is uncertain as to whether or not he would even want to play in 2022, although his respectable performance with the Dodgers would indicate that he may have a bit left in the tank.

Time for the St. Louis Cardinals to bring Albert Pujols back

Nominally, there would not be room for Pujols on the Cardinals’ roster. He is strictly limited to first base defensively, and with Paul Goldschmidt entrenched at the position, Pujols would seem to be an unnecessary piece.

But changes are coming to the National League. The universal designated hitter seems all but inevitable at this point, allowing aging sluggers or those without a defensive position to have a larger market. In Pujols’ case, this would allow him to return for yet another season, serving in that capacity with the Cardinals.

Pujols did show that he has something left during his time with the Dodgers. He produced a .254/.299/.460 batting line in his 204 plate appearances, hitting 12 homers. That type of production, even if he would strictly be a platoon player at this point in his career, would be a boost to the Cardinals’ lineup.

The Cardinals are also very cognizant of their history. Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright were brought back for the 2022 season, in part, to ensure that they retire as members of the organization. Having Pujols retire with the Cardinals, even if he spent a decade elsewhere, certainly has that same appeal.

As the designated hitter will be coming to the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals will have an opening for Albert Pujols. It is time to bring him home.