St. Louis Cardinals: Nolan Arenado foreshadows an Albert Pujols return?

It was supposed to be a Zoom call focused on Nolan Arenado taking on his former team, the Colorado Rockies, for the first time since he had been acquired in a trade by the St. Louis Cardinals. However, a few seconds toward the end of that conversation provided some words that still likely ring true today for the third baseman nearly one year later.

Could Nolan Arenado’s respectful words for the career of Albert Pujols be a foreshadowing of the future Hall of Famer rejoining the St. Louis Cardinals?

Think back to last May and the stunning announcement that the Los Angeles Angels had decided to designate Pujols for assignment. There was a week in there while Pujols was on waivers where it was unclear what would happen to Pujols and if he would land with another team and continue his incredible career. That’s the context surrounding when these words from Arenado were uttered at the very end of that Zoom.

Arenado not only said that Pujols was his favorite player but also uttered a wish for him, “I hope you get to go out the right way.”

Of course, we now know that Pujols would eventually sign a deal with the crosstown rival Los Angeles Dodgers and finish out the season with them. However, with that 2021 season contract now ended, he’s looking for the team where he can continue his career and likely reach some impressive milestones.

If Pujols is really going to go out “the right way,” a reunion with Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals is the one option that makes the most sense. After all, Pujols started his career with the Cardinals in 2001 and played 11 seasons there, earning Rookie of the Year honors and three National League Most Valuable Player awards.

According to a tweet from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, there are three teams that are in the chase to land Pujols for the 2022 season. One of those teams includes the Cardinals, who he says having Pujols return to the team where he started his career would be a “crowd pleaser.”

Will Arenado’s hopes for a proper ending to Pujols’ career eventually lead to the future Hall of Famer suiting up in St. Louis again? Nearly a year later, it’s becoming a real possibility.