Cardinals: CBA wrinkle could get Albert Pujols to the All-Star Game

A wrinkle in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement could get St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols to the All-Star Game.

When discussing the potential All-Stars on the St. Louis Cardinals roster, the common names are Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt and Ryan Helsley. But there is another veteran on the roster who could be a candidate to head to the All-Star Game in Los Angeles later this month.

Albert Pujols.

Wait, what? How? Why? All valid questions. Let me explain. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that there is a clause in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that states: “In addition to the 32 players elected and selected to the All-Star Game, the Commissioner may choose to add one player that he selects to each League’s roster, in recognition of each players career achievements. If special circumstances warrant, the Commissioner may select more than one player to each league’s roster.”

That screams Pujols, 42, who is a surefire Hall of Famer who is scheduled to retire at the end of the 2022 season. There may be no better way for him to be honored than to be recognized amongst the best players in baseball and on one of the biggest stages in baseball (the All-Star Game). In addition, Pujols played with the Angels from 2012 to May 13, 2021 before being released and signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers.

It makes almost too much sense and at this point, would be a surprise if Pujols isn’t part of the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles in almost two weeks. Sure, Pujols has struggled this season – he’s hitting .189/.282/.320 with a .601 OPS – but he’s one of the best players in baseball history. What he did for 12 seasons in St. Louis may never be replicated again.

Pujols deserves to be in Los Angeles for the All-Star Game. And considering the clause in the new CBA, it appears that he will be, and rightfully so.