Albert Pujols hit two more home runs on Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, bringing him to 692 total with about six weeks remaining until he retires.
The 4-for-4 night marked five home runs in the last five games for the St. Louis Cardinals slugger, inching ever closer to the historical 700-home run mark — an achievement only Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds have reached.
Pujols has six weeks to get there — not totally unrealistic, but certainly a challenge. Yet, if he were to fall short, do not expect the future Hall of Famer to make any change of plans for 2023.
“I’m still going to retire, no matter whether I end up hitting 693, 696, 700, whatever,” Pujols told Audacy’s Bob Nightengale for USA Today Sports. “I don’t get caught up in numbers. If you were going to tell me 22 years ago that I would be this close, I would have told you that you’re freakin’ crazy. My career has been amazing.”
The 42-year-old is certainly looking for a storybook ending, signing with the team he came up with prior to the start of the season.
He had just eight home runs before his recent barrage but he has gone on a tear in the second half of the season, hitting .438 since the All-Star break with a .918 slugging percentage (as of Sunday).
It is certainly a topic on the minds of others in the clubhouse.
“Yes,” manager Oliver Marmol said. “He’ll do it.”
Added Nolan Arenado: “We talk about it all of the time when he’s not around. I mean, 700 home runs? That’s something hardly anyone has seen. It’d be pretty special.”
But whatever happens for Pujols, he is at peace with where he will end up.
“If I can’t hit 70 homers, I’m not coming back,” Pujols jokingly told Nightengale. “No, I’v had enough. I’m glad I made the announcement this was it when I signed. Really, I wouldn’t change a thing.
“….I’ve had an unbelievable career. How blessed am I?”
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