Cardinals: Albert Pujols officially files for retirement

Albert Pujols had an incredible final year for the St. Louis Cardinals and shut down any comeback rumors by officially retiring today.

The St. Louis Cardinals struck gold with the return of Albert Pujols in 2022, and his incredible last ride led some to speculate whether or not Pujols would come back for one more season. Pujols shut down those rumors by officially filing for retirement, per Mark Feisand of MLB.com.

Pujols added to his already historic career this year by surpassing 700 career home runs, becoming 2nd all-time in RBIs, and breaking many other records while appearing to tap into the fountain of youth. In his age-42 season, Pujols hit .270/.345/.550 with 24 HR and 68 RBI in just 109 games of action. He was one of the best hitters in all of baseball the second half of the season and truly looked like prime Pujols again.

As tough as it may be to walk away after such a memorable season, Pujols has decided to stick with his decision to retire and end his career on the highest note possible. After many seasons with the Los Angeles Angels were Pujols hardly looked like himself, he was able to remind the baseball world one more time just how great of a hitter he is.

If Pujols had decided to return, the club would have brought him back with open arms, but it is now time to turn the page on an incredible era. The Cardinals have big aspirations for the 2023 season, and Pujols will begin his retirement by honoring his 10-year services contract with the Angels.