Albert Pujols is approaching the end of his historic career.
The 42-year-old slugger is playing out his final season and is proving to be a huge factor in the St. Louis Cardinals‘ run of success in the second half.
He now sits just three home runs shy of 700 for his career, and he could potentially do it in front of the Busch Stadium faithful.
Even at 42, Pujols is hitting like he’s still in his prime.
In fact, he only trails Barry Bonds in OPS+ for a player in their age-42 season with a minimum of 250 plate appearances in baseball history.
Highest OPS+ by a player in their age 42+ season, MLB history:
169 Barry Bonds 2007
145 Albert Pujols 2022
135 Cap Anson 1894
134 Carlton Fisk 1990
125 Luke Appling 1949(minimum 250 PA)
— Jeremy Frank (@MLBRandomStats) September 12, 2022
Pujols Still Raking At 42
Pujols is approaching history, but also is in some legendary company with some of the best hitters in the game’s history, with players such as Carlton Fisk and Luke Appling also on the list.
The Machine simply does not stop hitting and will continue to do just that as long as he’s playing.
But to only trail Bonds in that category is absolutely insane.
There isn’t really much opposing pitchers can do to try and stop him.
He’s locked in.
He’s at one of those points where he’s simply just centering everything that is thrown to him.
When the stakes are high, that is when The Machine is at his best.
We’re in the midst of the stretch run and Pujols has completely turned back the clock.
Even at 42, Pujols is not showing his age.
He’s saving his best for last.
Beyond hitting home runs though, he’s still an on-base machine.
This final run is one worth catching if you’re a Cardinals fan.
There’s a lot to be excited about when you watch this guy hit.
NEXT: 3 Stats That Make Albert Pujols' Season Even More Impressive