Cardinals Rumors: St. Louis showing interest in Albert Pujols

The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly interested in Albert Pujols, but here’s why I believe a reunion with the Hall of Famer is not happening.

The fit has been discussed for months. Bringing Albert Pujols back to the St. Louis Cardinals would not just be a crowd pleaser, but would fill their designated hitter position after president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said that the team would consider its external options.

According to multiple reports out of the Dominican Republic, the Cardinals are showing interest in Pujols.

I don’t believe them.

When Pujols became a free agent during the regular season, the Cardinals showed little interest in a reunion. They preferred their internal options and, of course, have Paul Goldschmidt at first base. The universal DH makes a fit a lot more reasonable, but the team has been adamant about giving their young options such as Lars Nootbaar, Nolan Gorman and Juan Yepez a chance for meaningful at-bats this season.

While Pujols wouldn’t totally take away from that, he would limit their opportunities. And it makes little sense for the Cardinals to sign a rapidly declining and limited player in Pujols and take away those opportunities, especially with Gorman set to debut early in the season.

Could Pujols help? Sure. He hit .294/.336/.603 against left-handed pitching in 146 at-bats. He would provide a veteran presence to those same young players, would reunite with Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright and allow all three to play one final season together. He’d also be a leader in the clubhouse and good for other young players like Harrison Bader, Dylan Carlson and Tyler O’Neill, among others.

So, there is some upside to Pujols signing with the Cardinals. I just don’t think there’s a very good chance of it happening and I wouldn’t get your hopes up on a reunion. You will just be setting yourself up for heartbreak.