MLB News: Two-Time World Series Champion To End Career In St. Louis

Whatever happens this MLB season, it will be the last hurrah for two-time World Series champion Albert Pujols.

There is no better way to close out his storied career than to end it with the same team where he started his professional baseball career–the St. Louis Cardinals.

According to a report from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the 42-year-old agreed to a one-year deal with the Cardinals on Sunday, Mar. 27.

The deal is reportedly worth $2.5 million, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

The 10-time All-Star is 21 home runs shy of making his 700th in his career.

While it appears that this is a nostalgic setup, Pujols has something else in mind.

He returns intending to help the Cardinals possibly win another World Series championship.

However, it may take much from the three-time NL MVP’s end.

“For me, I think I’m here for a reason,” Pujols stated. “They believe I can still play this game and they believe I can help this organization win a championship. And myself, I believe in that, too.”

The return of Pujols comes at a time when catcher Yadier Molina is also entering his 19th and final season with St. Louis.

Also possibly playing in his final MLB season is Adam Wainwright.

As far as Wainwright is concerned, he believes Pujols still has some left in the tank and will be on a mission.

“He’s motivated to show people that he’s not too old or over the hill. I don’t think he wants this to be nostalgic; he wants to go out and prove something. That chip is a good one to put on your shoulder. It’s cool to be loved, that’s a nice thing, and nobody is more beloved than he is. But he wants to prove himself,” Wainwright said.

It was on October 28, 2011when Pujols last played for the Cardinals. That was the Game 7 win of St. Louis over Texas in the World Series.

The 2001 NL Rookie of the Year could help serve as the team’s designated hitter with the National League now adopting the rule that had long been in place in the American League.