[BigRedChief]

Woo: from the Athletic.


The Cardinals have had increased conversations with three-time MVP Albert Pujols, and interest is growing in bringing back the former Cardinal for the 2022 season, multiple sources familiar with the situation told The Athletic. Pujols, 42, would not be an everyday player. Rather, he would serve as a right-handed bench bat, similar to the role St. Louis identified when they inked outfielder Corey Dickerson to a one-year deal last week.

The Cardinals, an organization rich in tradition, have tended to stay away from consistent lineup platoons. New manager Oli Marmol has expressed other plans. The expectation is the first-year skipper would prefer to modernize his roster, utilizing platoons, matchups and lineup fluidity on a game-by-game basis.

If president of baseball operations John Mozeliak decides to bring back Pujols to St. Louis, it would be under the following pretenses: Pujols would not be a starter and would not upend Paul Goldschmidt’s playing time at first base. He would primarily be used off the bench as a late-inning power bat. He could also serve as a mentor for Juan Yepez, a promising 24-year-old reserve first baseman and sometimes corner outfielder who is hoping to make the big-league club when camp breaks.