BREAKING NEWS: St. Louis Cardinals Announce Albert Pujols as Special Assistant and Second Coach for 2025 Season

In a move that has sent shockwaves of excitement throughout the baseball world, the St. Louis Cardinals have confirmed that Albert Pujols, one of the franchise’s most beloved and iconic players, will return to the team in 2025 as a Special Assistant to the General Manager and Second Coach. Pujols, who enjoyed a legendary career with the Cardinals, is set to bring his wealth of experience and leadership back to the club, further cementing his legacy in St. Louis while helping shape the future of the team.

The announcement, made earlier this week, was met with unanimous excitement from fans, players, and staff alike. The Cardinals have long been known for their strong tradition of developing homegrown talent, and Pujols’ return is seen as an important step toward continuing that legacy. With his wealth of experience, baseball IQ, and commitment to the organization, many see this move as a pivotal moment for the Cardinals’ future.

A Glorious Career with the Cardinals

Pujols, who spent the first 11 seasons of his illustrious career with the Cardinals from 2001 to 2011, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history. During his time in St. Louis, he helped lead the Cardinals to two World Series titles (2006 and 2011) and earned three National League MVP awards (2005, 2008, 2009). He finished his Cardinals tenure with a staggering .328 batting average, 445 home runs, and 1,329 RBIs.

After his departure to the Los Angeles Angels in 2012, Pujols continued to build on his legendary status, eventually returning to the Cardinals for a brief but sentimental farewell tour in 2022. His final season in MLB was a memorable one, as he passed both 700 career home runs and cemented his place as one of the game’s all-time greats. Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, he is set to continue his work in St. Louis, albeit in a new capacity.

Pujols’ Role as Second Coach and Special Assistant

In his new role, Pujols will serve as both a Special Assistant to General Manager John Mozeliak and a Second Coach, offering his expertise to the players, particularly the young talent coming through the organization. As a Special Assistant, Pujols will work closely with the front office, helping with scouting, player development, and other key areas of team operations. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his relationships with players and coaches, will make him an invaluable asset to the Cardinals’ leadership.

As a Second Coach, Pujols will be working directly with the team’s hitters, providing mentorship and guidance to the next generation of Cardinals sluggers. Known for his unparalleled work ethic and dedication to his craft, Pujols will be expected to help refine the team’s approach at the plate and bring his extensive knowledge of hitting to the forefront of the Cardinals’ coaching staff.

“Albert is one of the most knowledgeable, respected, and passionate players to ever wear a Cardinals uniform,” said Cardinals Manager Oliver Marmol. “Having him back in the fold is not only a tremendous boost to our team, but it’s also a great opportunity for our young players to learn from one of the greatest of all time. His leadership, both on and off the field, will have a lasting impact on this organization.”

Pujols’ Impact on the Team and Fans

The significance of this move extends far beyond the field. For St. Louis, Pujols is more than just a player; he’s a symbol of excellence, determination, and dedication. Fans of the Cardinals have long regarded him as one of their own, and his return is seen as a return to the family fold. The emotional farewell to Pujols in 2022 was a moment of closure for many fans, but his new role in 2025 ensures that his influence will continue to shape the franchise for years to come.

While the specifics of his day-to-day duties remain to be seen, the general consensus is that Pujols’ presence will be instrumental in fostering a culture of accountability and excellence within the clubhouse. His experience playing at the highest level, combined with his leadership and mentoring abilities, make him uniquely positioned to make a significant impact on both the players and the organization as a whole.

A Bright Future for the Cardinals

As the 2025 season approaches, the Cardinals are poised to take another step forward with Pujols’ return to the organization. With a roster that includes young stars like Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and a promising group of prospects, Pujols’ guidance will undoubtedly help nurture the next generation of talent that will carry the Cardinals into the future.

“We are excited to welcome Albert back into the fold,” said Mozeliak. “His role will be pivotal as we continue to build a championship-caliber team, and his return is a testament to the strong bond between Albert and the Cardinals organization.”

For Pujols, this return to St. Louis is not just a new chapter in his career but also a reflection of his enduring love for the game and his connection to the city that helped elevate him to legendary status. As fans eagerly await his official return, one thing is clear: Albert Pujols will forever be a part of the Cardinals’ story, and his impact on the team and its future will be felt for years to come.