St. Louis Cardinals Rumors: 3-4 interested in Albert Pujols

While there are 3-4 teams interested in Albert Pujols, a return to the St. Louis Cardinals does not look likely at all.

There are 3-4 teams in on free-agent first baseman Albert Pujols, as I reported on Twitter, as he continues to indicate his desire to play in 2021. Just don’t expect him to end up with the St. Louis Cardinals.

There are obvious connections between Pujols, 41, and the Cardinals. He spent his best 11 seasons in St. Louis. It’s where he became a sure fire Hall of Famer under manager Tony La Russa. The connection between the two sides is clear, as team president Bill DeWitt III said that he “got a little bit emotional” when Pujols returned to Busch Stadium two years ago.

But DeWitt, and others connected to the Cardinals, have thrown cold water on the idea of Pujols returning to St. Louis. He wants real playing time, perhaps as a starter, and the club has Paul Goldschmidt entrenched at first base. The National League did not implement the universal designated hitter in 2021, meaning there is no other way to get Pujols the playing time he wants.

Even then, he hit .198/.250/.372 in 92 plate appearances this season. How much can Pujols really help a team at this stage of his career?

It’s possible that Pujols can sign on with a National League team desperate for a first baseman, but it’s highly likely that he eventually signs with an American League team where he can DH. He may not get the amount of at-bats that he is looking for, however, but he could be a useful veteran bat and leader for a contending team down the stretch.

With his market developing, Pujols shouldn’t be a free agent too much longer. But unless something drastic happens, or if he has a change in what he is looking for on the open market, that opportunity won’t come with the Cardinals.