>>Pujols Files for Retirement
(St. Louis, MO) — Albert Pujols is making his retirement official. The St. Louis Cardinals legend signed his retirement papers with the team yesterday. Pujols announced that 2022 would be his final season after signing with St. Louis in free agency prior to the season, but this move makes it official. The 42-year-old began his career with the Cardinals in 2001, winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award. In 2012, he signed with the Angels, where he played until he was released in 2021. He spent the last half of 2021 with the Dodgers and came back to the Cardinals in 2022. He became the fourth player to reach 700 career home runs this past season, and he finishes his career as a three-time MVP, an 11-time All Star, and a two-time World Series champion. Pujols will become eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028.
>>Arenado Opts In To Contract
(St. Louis, MO) — St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is staying put. The seven-time All-Star told the Cardinals over the weekend that he is opting in to his current contract. Arenado had until five days after the end of the World Series to decide whether or not he would opt out of his deal and enter free agency. By opting in, Arenado will stay in St. Louis for the next five seasons and earn 144-million dollars.
>>Report: Cubs Hire New Hitting Coach
(Chicago, IL) — The Chicago Cubs have a new hitting coach. The club reportedly promoted Dustin Kelly to position yesterday. Kelly spent the last two seasons as the Cubs minor league hitting coordinator. Greg Brown was the hitting coach in 2022, and he was offered another position within the organization before deciding to head elsewhere. Kelly becomes Chicago’s eighth hitting coach in the last 12 years.