Albert Pujols is returning to Major League Baseball in a new role. MLB named the retired slugger as a special assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred and announced he will work as an on-air analyst for MLB Network. Here’s what you need to know:
- Pujols’ duties as a special assistant include consulting with MLB on player relations and issues regarding the Dominican Republic, his home country.
- He will make his MLB Network debut on “MLB Central” on Tuesday and join “MLB Tonight” on Wednesday.
- Pujols will also contribute to MLB Network’s coverage on June 23 of the Cubs–Cardinals series in London. The rivals will play a two-game series on June 24 and 25 at London Stadium.
After a 22-year career, Albert Pujols is joining the league office as a Special Assistant to the Commissioner.
Welcome, Albert! pic.twitter.com/RHWgZNSCO8
— MLB (@MLB) June 5, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What to expect from Pujols on TV
There’s value for Major League Baseball to have iconic, name-brand former players as part of its broadcast coverage. How Pujols will do as an MLB Network analyst will be answered in the coming year but he did receive some positive praise on social media for his recent assignment as part of Peacock’s coverage of a Pirates-Cardinals game. Like Alex Rodriguez on ESPN and Fox, I would not expect Pujols to delve into any third rail issue that is uncomfortable for the league or Manfred.
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But baseball fans will be interested in what Pujols has to say on air initially, so there is little downside here for MLB as far as the broadcast element. — Deitsch
What they’re saying
“Beyond his long list of accomplishments on the field, Albert is a highly respected figure who represents the game extraordinarily well,” Manfred said in a statement. “He cares greatly about making a difference in our communities. We are excited for Albert to join other former players who are doing important work for our sport, and we will welcome his perspective across our efforts.”
Backstory
Pujols played 22 major-league seasons and spent 12 of those with the Cardinals, who drafted him in 1999. He also played 10 seasons with the Angels and part of one season with the Dodgers.
The future Hall of Famer is an 11-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, three-time National League MVP, two-time Gold Glove Award winner and six-time Silver Slugger Award winner. Pujols retired with a career .296 batting average and 703 home runs. He is only the fourth player in major-league history to hit notch 700 homers, joining Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762) on the list.
Pujols reached the 700-home run mark in the final days of his final season, capping off an incredible career in a way not even Hollywood could script.
Required reading
(Photo: Charles LeClaire / USA Today)
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