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St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols has a Hall of Fame resume that will be in Cooperstown one day. The MLB’s new clause allowed him and Miguel Cabrera to be added at the expense of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, and some fans weren’t entirely thrilled about it.
Pujols is doing something else during the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles. According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the veteran is joining the Home Run Derby field.
Pujols joins the field that includes two-time champion Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuna Jr. — for now.
The biggest problem? Pujols has just five home runs on the season. To go even further, he has 28 home runs in the past four seasons COMBINED. But, his career has been full of home runs, and the announcement comes one day after he hit career HR No. 684.
Home run number 684 for Albert Pujols! pic.twitter.com/pHCJPDKQvn
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 10, 2022
Plus, maybe Pujols will walk away with the crown in the ultimate retirement party.
However, MLB fans and analysts aren’t exactly thrilled with the idea of Pujols in the Derby. The reactions came pouring in, and some of them are hilarious.
Albert Pujols participating in the 2022 Home Run Derby pic.twitter.com/4yfJUW0eDf
— Art Vandelay (@KingFavre) July 12, 2022
Albert Pujols is a legend, but he doesn’t deserve to be an All-Star nor does he belong in the Home Run Derby.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) July 11, 2022
Albert Pujols pulling up to the HR Derby pic.twitter.com/zjiJdITru5
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) July 12, 2022
What a waste of a spot. https://t.co/lkaQbkQGUz
— John Wisdom (@JWisdom991) July 12, 2022
Albert Pujols after 1st round of the Home Run Derby https://t.co/ZlrafLuHZs pic.twitter.com/1n7AZjmW6k
— Razzball (@Razzball) July 11, 2022
However, other fans are thrilled with the inclusion of Pujols.
This is awesome. https://t.co/nTNNre9uJ5
— Daniel Esteve (@DanielJEsteve) July 12, 2022
I suddenly have interest in the all star game https://t.co/9wWn1YV39u
— Jess (703) (@JessicaKTx) July 12, 2022
Whatever you have planned next Monday- cancel theme.
You’re watching the Home Run Derby.#STLCards https://t.co/Pw3BTlbFPL
— Cardinal Kingdom (@STLCards18) July 12, 2022
We have a new fan favorite to win the Home Run Derby! Fabulous. https://t.co/SnNF3uPcfg
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 12, 2022
The last time Pujols participated in the Home Run Derby was in 2015. In total, this will be his fifth career appearance and a wonderful send-off in LA. Oh, and let’s not forget, he spent the majority of last season as a member of the Dodgers.