The 2021 campaign could be Albert Pujols' last in Major League Baseball, his wife, Deidre, announced on Monday.
Shortly after her post stated Pujols would retire following the season, Deidre amended the caption, indicating he may not walk away from the game at the conclusion of the campaign.
"Nothing has changed what we talked about last week," Pujols said shortly after the Instagram post, according to Enrique Rojas of ESPN. "I will make a decision about the future, depending on what happens this season."
The 41-year-old is entering the final season of his 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The $240-million pact was signed prior to the 2012 campaign.
Albert’s response to Deidre Pujols’ post: pic.twitter.com/K1WlTF1dzf
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 23, 2021
The three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star will have played 21 seasons with the Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. Pujols has amassed 662 home runs and 2,100 RBIs, which rank fifth and third all time, respectively. He needs to hit 34 more homers to surpass Alex Rodriguez for fourth.
Over 2,862 games, Pujols has accrued 87.2 WAR, according to FanGraphs. For the past four seasons, the six-time Silver Slugger has been below replacement level, though.
