2022 NL All-Star Albert Pujols? Per MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, it could very well happen thanks to commissioner Rob Manfred.
Manfred’s wild and whacky MLB experiments continue with the possibility of an All-Star legacy pick, which would add a team legend to the roster in hopes of increasing fan exposure.
On the surface, it’s a good idea. But what if said legend is struggling mightily, or doesn’t deserve said spot over a player who is actually producing?
The new CBA allows Manfred to add MLB legends to the All-Star rosters, but they will not take the spot of any deserving players. So, the likes of Pujols would be added in addition to all active participants.
“In addition to the 32 players elected and selected to the All-Star Game, the Commissioner may choose to add one player that he selects to each League’s roster, in recognition of each player’s career achievements,” the clause states, according to a source. “If special circumstances warrant, the Commissioner may select more than one player to each league’s roster.”
Cardinals: Albert Pujols could be an All-Star
Rosenthal makes a valuable point, in that the All-Star Game takes place in Los Angeles this year, which is where Pujols spent much of his post-St. Louis career. He’s a popular player in those parts. It also helps that this is likely Albert’s final year in the big leagues, and he’s back where it all began. Safe to say TV ratings in the St. Louis area would be through the roof.
As for the American League legend slot, Miguel Cabrera would be a popular choice, though he may get there without it. Miggy is batting .307 this season, and has a chance to be Detroit’s sole representative is Los Angeles given the Tigers’ shoddy play otherwise.
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