Albert Pujols is one of the greatest hitters of all time, a terrifying force at the plate who racked up three MVP awards and two World Series titles.
Now, near the end of his incredible career, he’s about to add a rare honor to his collection of achievements.
Pujols is four home runs away from becoming just the fourth member of the 700-HR club, joining Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds. It’s been something of a late-career renaissance for Pujols — his return to the St. Louis Cardinals for what he says is his final season has sparked his best offensive year in over a decade. He’s hitting .258/.333/.500, and he has slugged 16 home runs in a mere 88 games. If he decided to play for one more season, there’s a good chance he’d even be able to pass Ruth for third on the all-time homer list.
One dinger at a time, however. We’ll keep track of Pujols’ chase for 700 right here.
Next games:
Sunday, 1:35 p.m. ET vs. PIT (facing Mitch Keller)
Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. ET vs. MIL (facing Corbin Burnes)
Wednesday, 7:45 p.m. ET vs. MIL (facing TBD)
All-time home run list
Barry Bonds: 762
Hank Aaron: 755
Babe Ruth: 714
Alex Rodriguez: 696
Albert Pujols: 696
Home run No. 696
Pujols tied Alex Rodriguez for fourth on the all-time home run list Saturday against the Pirates.
6⃣9⃣6⃣ pic.twitter.com/ofsJ2NvEkz
— MLB (@MLB) September 11, 2022
Home run No. 695
On Sunday night against the Chicago Cubs, Pujols launched a pitch from Brandon Hughes out of the ballpark for his 695th career home run.
695!
Albert Pujols keeps inching closer to history. pic.twitter.com/rk159I0O6h
— MLB (@MLB) September 4, 2022