Mark McGwire predicted Albert Pujols Hall-of-Fame career before it happened

Former St. Louis Cardinals star Mark McGwire accurately predicted Albert Pujols’ Hall-of-Fame career before it unfolded.

Mark McGwire, the St. Louis Cardinals star and a former teammate of legendary veteran Albert Pujols, predicted Pujols’ Hall-of-Fame career before it unfolded. According to Peter Gammons of The Athletic (subscription required), McGwire saw Pujols during spring training in 2001, pointed at him and mentioned that he was going to be in the Hall of Fame.

McGwire was ending his 16-season career as Pujols began his, so he had undoubtedly seen talent in MLB before. His ability to pick out a talented player has proven to be strong as Pujols is wrapping up one of the most iconic careers in the history of the league.

McGwire hit extremely well throughout most of his career, and Pujols was a great player to continue the success in the lineup.

Pujols has achieved a lot over his 22-season career, and he’s certainly earned his already-guaranteed spot in the Hall of Fame.

Cardinals veteran Albert Pujols deserves his spot in the Hall of Fame

In Pujols’ first-ever MLB season, he hit .329/.403/.610 for an OPS of 1.013. He earned seven awards that season, including two Rookie of the Months, four Rookie of the Years and the NL Silver Slugger.

He went on to impressively earn more awards, which included several more Silver Sluggers, MVPs, Player of the Years and Gold Gloves. He’s led the NL twice in home runs, and he’s currently chasing 700 career home runs. If he reaches his goal, he’d join the elite club of 700+ career homers with Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth.

Pujols’ impact in MLB is undeniable. The long-time player set the bar high in the league, and his retirement will be bittersweet.

He’s already guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York and will have a plaque there in July 2028. He earned every bit of the honor.