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Albert Pujols Retirement: Legendary Slugger Speaks On Future Plans While Closing In On 700 Home Runs

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DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 13: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim first baseman Albert Pujols (5) waves towards the Colorado Rockies dugout after a game at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado on September 13, 2020. Pujols tied Willie Mays’ homerun total to move to 5th on the all-time list by hitting his 660th homerun in the eighth inning during the game. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire)

Albert Pujols is suddenly making a very real push to finish this season with 700 home runs under his belt.

Last night, the 42 year old future Hall of Famer electrified the Cardinals fan base when he hit two long home runs to get to 692 bombs in his illustrious career.

Before the season, Albert Pujols agreed to a one year deal to come back to the Cardinals to finish his career before retiring.

But after proving that he has plenty of pop left in his bat, many are wondering if he could possibly push back his plans to return for one more season after this.

Unfortunately, Albert doubled-down on his retirement plans when asked after his two home run game.

“I’m still going to retire, no matter whether I end up hitting 693, 696, 700, whatever,’’ Pujols told USA TODAY Sports. “I don’t get caught up in numbers. If you were going to tell me 22 years ago that I would be this close, I would have told you that you’re freakin’ crazy. My career has been amazing.’’

Perhaps many were thinking of Albert Pujols’ final year in St. Louis as a retirement tour. But he’s made it so much more impactful.

Proving to be a catalyst for the first-place Red Birds, Pujols is currently hitting .269 with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs in a platoon-type role. His .381 average against left-handers proves that he’s still more than valuable for any contending team in the MLB.

“It’s just unbelievable watching him,’’ Cardinals All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado said. “When we got him, I knew he was going to help us win games, but honestly, I don’t know where we’d be without him.’’

Still, Albert Pujols is completely content waling away from baseball after the season, whether he gets to 700 home runs or not.

“If I can’t hit 70 homers, I’m not coming back,’’ Pujols said jokingly. “No, I’ve had enough. I’m glad I made the announcement this was it when I signed. Really, I wouldn’t change a thing.’’

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