Did Albert Pujols Speculate He May Retire?

We wrote previously in an article about Pujols and his role on the Angels as he heads towards the end of his career. It’s a diminshed role for sure. He’s not longer the star on a team that has Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon.

Did Pujols speculate he may retire? That’s the question to be asked, especially with this Tweet.

The Home Run/Doubles Milestone

Pujols has a legitimate chance to be the first 700/700 player in baseball history. That’s a great reason for him to stay in the game.

It could be tough though as the 2020 season won’t be 162 games as expected. With talk of a season that starts on the July 4th weekend and runs 82 games, how many could Pujols hit?

He hit 23 in 2019 and played 131 games. The math on that shouldn’t be too hard but he would have to realistically play about 60 out of 82 games this season and hit at least 22 home run in 2020. Not sure that is doable.

What about reaching 700 homers? Could he realistically hit 44 home runs in a season and a half? We’ll have to see.

If he does do it, he would join some elite company to hit 700 home runs, along with Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, and Babe Ruth.

Age and Health Will Be A Factor

Even with a full 2021 season, his age and health could play a factor in reaching 700. Since joining the Angels Pujols has been hampered by lower-body injuries. He underwent knee surgery after the 2012 season and missed the final two months of the 2013 campaign after tearing the plantar fascia in his left foot. Pujols also required surgeries on his right foot after the 2015 and 2016 seasons. In 2018, his season was done at the end of August as doctors had to work on his left knee.

His contract with the Angels is also due to expire at the end of the 2021 season and is not likely to be renewed. Does another team pick him up as a pinch hitter or D.H? Would the Cardinals let him have a one year contract as a victory lap?

Pujols does have 661 total doubles for his career and had 22 in 2019 and 20 in 2018. He had 50 his first year with the Angels in 2012, but dropped as low as 17 in 2017. It’s easier to hit a double over a home run we know that, but his age and health, as well as a shorter 2020 could effect his ability to reach 700.

Despite being in the twilight of his career, Pujols has been one of the best players to suit up in the majors in the last 20 years. With career statistics that include the 656 Home Runs, 661 Doubles, a lifetime .300 batting average and OPS of .927, he is headed for Cooperstown even if his last few seasons aren’t ones for the record books.

If he reaches the the 700/700 milestone it would further cement his place in Cooperstown, and as one of the best to ever play the game.

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