MLB negotiations with the MLBPA before the season led to a lot of things: a season, some new rules, and a specific right for the Commissioner.
Rob Manfred, per the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), can select one player to each All-Star roster based on “career achievements.”
This season, he picked St. Louis Cardinals star Albert Pujols and Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera.
It’s hard to think about two men more deserving of the distinction.
“Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera have been selected to play in the 2022 MLB All-Star Game.” Fox Sports MLB tweeted.
Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera have been selected to play in the 2022 MLB All-Star Game 🤩 pic.twitter.com/4KnnuuEOV4
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 8, 2022
Most fans are on board with Manfred’s designation: why wouldn’t they want to see two legends, quite likely the two best and most accomplished right-handed hitters of the last 20 years, give it a go among the game’s brightest stars one last time?
Pujols’ Last Dance
Cabrera could theoretically play more All-Star Games in the future, but Pujols is retiring after the season and this was a nice gesture from Manfred.
We have all criticized Manfred – heavily – when he makes a mistake, but his good decisions should be acknowledged, too.
It’s only fair.
Pujols is not having a particularly good season at the plate: he is hitting .200/.288/.336 in limited action with the Cardinals.
However, if we are talking about career achievements, few players come close.
This will be his 11th All-Star Game, and he has two World Series rings, three MVP awards, a Rookie of the Year award, the NLCS MVP award in 2004, two Gold Gloves, and six Silver Slugger awards.
That’s a career many kids dream about.
Most importantly, he has the love and respect of the entire league.
NEXT: Jordan Hicks Is Showing Unreal Velocity For The Cardinals