5 surprises on St. Louis Cardinals 2022 Opening Day roster

Albert Pujols

The most pleasant of surprises for nostalgic Cardinals fans.

When he left the Cardinals after the 2011 season, fans didn’t think this was possible. But time heals all wounds and the Cards and Pujols were able to reunite for what is set to be his final season as a major league baseball player.

Pujols’ ability to “return home” has tremendous meaning as it is not only his final season in the place where it all began, but he will be joining his best friend in future Hall of Fame catcher, Yadier Molina, for his final season. He’s also joining his longtime friend Adam Wainwright as well. It’s unclear if this will be his final season.

While Pujols is interested in winning another championship with the Cardinals, there are a tremendous number of records he could approach in a setting where it will be celebrated in epic fashion.

Pujols is 21 home runs from joining the 700 home run club. Alex Rodriguez has 696 home runs. It will take Pujols 18 homers to pass him. At 14th on the all-time list, he could make his way up the charts in 2022. Pujols could approach Nap Lajoie, Eddie Murray, Willie Mays, Eddie Collins, and Paul Molitor.

To start 2022, Pujols has 5,923 total bases. It’s interesting to note that if Pujols gets 210 bases, he would reach 6,133 which would make him one behind Stan Musial at 6,134. Could you imagine the reaction from Cardinals fans at Busch Stadium if he approaches this mark?  Unreal.

Pujols has 1,347 extra bases to start 2022. He is fifth behind  Babe Ruth at 1,356, Musial at 1,377, Bonds at 1,440, and Aaron at 1,477.

No matter what, it will be nice to see Pujols back in a Cardinals uniform. Here’s hoping for a season to remember.