ST. LOUIS – The American baseball world exploded this morning when Albert Pujols, the great legend of the St. Louis Cardinals, unexpectedly signed a $500 million deal to become a co-owner of the team – a historic turning point for the MLB world.
According to exclusive sources from The Athletic, Pujols – who retired in 2022 in glory – will buy back 15% of the shares of the St. Louis Cardinals, thereby officially becoming one of the first former players in MLB history to take control of his former team. The deal is valued at a total of $500 million, including $350 million in cash and $150 million in investment rights and dividends over the next 10 years.
“I don’t just want to be a part of Cardinals history. I want to be a part of the future of this team,” said Albert Pujols during the announcement at Busch Stadium, where thousands of fans cheered as if he had just hit another great home run.
According to initial information, this deal was negotiated behind closed doors for more than eight months, with the participation of team president Bill DeWitt Jr. and a group of major Cardinals shareholders.
The contract clearly stipulates:
Albert Pujols owns 15% of the team – worth approximately $500 million, valuing the Cardinals at an overall $3.3 billion.
He will serve as a “special partner in player development & community impact” – roughly translated as co-managing player development and community activities.
Pujols will also have direct involvement in the team’s recruitment strategy, youth training, and global brand orientation.
A close source revealed that the Cardinals proactively invited Pujols back as a symbol of “tradition and future”, especially after the legendary Adam Wainwright retired at the end of the 2023 season.
Experts commented: Pujols’s huge investment in his old team is not only a financial move, but also a declaration of loyalty that is rare in modern sports.
When asked about this news, former teammate Yadier Molina said briefly:
“He never left St. Louis. He just came back – this time to lead all of us.”
With Pujols back, multiple inside sources have revealed that the team is preparing a comprehensive overhaul, including:
A “Pujols Academy” training center for young talent in the Midwest.
Plans to expand the Cardinals brand in the Dominican Republic – Pujols’s homeland.
A monument honoring Busch Stadium’s Gate 5 is expected to break ground early next year.
From Dominican immigrant to three-time MVP, from Cardinals icon to returning hero – Pujols’ journey has now come to a symbolic end. He is no longer just “The Machine” on the field, but the future architect of the very team that made his name.
“When I was playing, I helped the Cardinals win. Now, I want to help them survive.” – Albert Pujols
This half-billion-dollar return is more than just sports news. It is a historic moment for St. Louis Cardinals. Louis — when legend and legacy merge, opening a new chapter for the Cardinals and for the hearts of fans.
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