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- The 2022 MLB All-Star Game is quickly approaching.
- As it turns out, a new Collective Bargaining Agreement might lead Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera to the festivities.
- The future Hall of Famer is batting just .189 this season, but Rob Manfred might be putting him in the game despite all of that.
The 2022 MLB All-Star Game is being held in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium and should be a magnificent time. The rosters are set to be revealed, and the Home Run Derby field should be filled out rather quickly.
However, one player who might make the game is St. Louis Cardinals veteran Albert Pujols. The future Hall of Famer is batting just .189 entering Wednesday’s contest with four home runs and 17 RBIs across 43 games.
So, how exactly is Pujols an option for the Midsummer Classic?
A New CBA Clause Could Send Albert Pujols And Miguel Cabrera To The All-Star Game
Plain and simple, a new clause in the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) might do the trick for Pujols. Here’s what the clause says, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
“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. If special circumstances warrant, the Commissioner may select more than one player to each league’s roster.”
So, the spot would be in addition to the rosters and not instead of the players selected. Another potential possibility is Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera, who recorded his 3,000th career hit this season and is also headed for retirement. However, Cabrera is playing much better. He is batting .300 with three home runs and 69 27 RBIs across 69 contests for the Tigers.
It would be neat to see Pujols for the National League and Cabrera for the American League. After all, both players have resumes destined for Cooperstown.
Most fans seem to be on board with Pujols receiving a spot, and why not?
He deserves a spot. Don't care that he's bad, the fans will love it. https://t.co/dp8hrU9Huv
— ☃️ (@shawist) July 6, 2022
Love it. I feel like this was common place in the 80’s (and maybe before). https://t.co/0dsbjQPujS
— Mike Ferrin (@Mike_Ferrin) July 6, 2022
Albert Pujols should be at the All Star Game in his final season. I don’t care what his numbers are. https://t.co/QysN4ROUor
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) July 5, 2022
The All Star Game is for the fans. Albert Pujols should be an All Star for his final season. https://t.co/o8rNEisZj6
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) July 5, 2022
This is a pretty nice wrinkle in the new CBA. And hopefully, Pujols and Cabrera will be seen at the All-Star Game on July 19.