The money involved in professional sports has allowed professional athletes to accumulate enormous wealth from their endeavors both on and off the playing field. Major League Baseball's unique salary cap rules (or lack thereof) have sent baseball players to the top of the list. Albert Pujols is no exception
To better understand how Albert Pujols was able to amass such a large net worth, we will explore his career through Major League Baseball; where after sponsorships, endorsements, and personal business ventures will be analyzed in greater detail:
Albert Pujol’s Net Worth
Albert Pujols is believed to have a net worth of approximately $180 million, making him one of the wealthiest baseball players ever. Along with his earnings through professional baseball, Pujols has received compensation for endorsements, sponsorships, and personal business ventures.
Albert Pujols’ Career History
Albert Pujols’ baseball career began as a high school sensation at Fort Osage High School, Missouri, which saw him being named to the All-State team twice.
Following a successful high school career, Pujols was offered an athletic scholarship to Maple Woods Community College. While Pujols was hardly a blue chip recruit coming out of high school, the future Hall of Famer soon caught the attention of Major League scouts while in community college.
Pujols rejected the initial contract offered by the St Louis Cardinals of a $10,000 signing bonus and turned his attention to playing for minor league teams until a more favorable contract was forthcoming from the MLB. In 2000, Pujols accepted a contract with the St Louis Cardinals, which included a $60,000 signing bonus.
Albert Pujols’ early career with the St Louis Cardinals proved wildly successful; these accolades were rewarded with a seven-year contract extension in 2004 worth an estimated $100 million!
Albert Pujols’ Career Accomplishments
The enormous investment from the Cardinals paid off, with Pujols racking up MLB records between 2004 and 2011:
- World Series runner-ups, (2004)
- The third youngest player in the sport’s history to reach 200 home runs (2004)
- ESPY Award For Best International Athlete (200 and 2006)
- ESPY Award For Best MLB Player (2005, 2006, 2009, and 2010)
- World Series Champions, (2006, 2011)
- Second in MVP voting (2006)
- NL Golden Glove Award (2006, 2010)
- Fielding Bible Awards (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
- NL MVP (2007 and 2008)
- Silver Slugger Award (2008, 2009, and 2010)
- Sporting News Player Of The Year (2008, 2009)
- Sporting News Player of the Decade (2009)
- Sports Illustrated Player of the Decade (2009)
- Roberto Clemente Award (2008)
- The third youngest player in the sport’s history to reach 350 home runs (2009)
- The third youngest player in the sport’s history to reach 400 home runs (2010)
Following the end of his seven-year contract extension with the Cardinals, 2012 saw multiple teams interested in signing Pujols (namely, the Cardinals, the Miami Marlins, and the Los Angeles Angels.) Pujols eventually agreed to a 10-year $254 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
Unlike his early career with the Cardinals, Pujols struggled to find form during his first few seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. However, there were some highlights during his early years with the team between 2012 and 2016:
- The third youngest player in history to reach 500 home runs (2014)
- Ranked the 3rd highest-paid player in the AL, with an estimated salary of $23 million (2014)
- MLB All-Stars touring player in the Major-League Baseball Japan All-Star Series (2014)
- Ranked the 6th highest-paid player in the AL, with an estimated salary of $25 million (2016)
While Albert Pujols would continue to struggle to find his form toward the end of his career with the Los Angeles Angels, he still recorded some impressive stats and career milestones:
- The fourth youngest player in the sport’s history to reach 600 home runs (2017)
- Ranked the 6th highest-paid player in the AL, with an estimated salary of $26 million (2017)
- Ranked the 5th highest-paid player in the AL, with an estimated salary of $27 million (2018)
- Fourth player in history to reach 2000 RBIs (2019)
- Ranked the 4th highest-paid player in the AL, with an estimated salary of $28 million (2019)
- The oldest player in Major League Baseball (2020)
- Second of all time for RBIs (2020)
- Fifth most home runs of all time (2020)
- Ranked the 7th highest-paid player in the AL, with an estimated salary of $29 million (2020)
Following the end of his ten-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, Pujols signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The new contract made Pujols the oldest player in the league for a second year and the fifth highest-paid player with a salary of $30 million.
In 2022, Pujols returned to his old team, the St Louis Cardinals, which is believed to be his final season in the MLB. The return to the Cardinals makes Pujols the oldest player in the league for the third year in a row, despite his ages Pujols continues to break milestones:
- Tenth in all-time hits (2022)
- Player of the National League team (2022)
- Second in the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby (2022)
- Second in total bases of all time (2022)
- The fourth player in history to hit 700 home runs (2022)
As is evident from above, Pujols has made a substantial amount of money playing professional baseball. However, there are other business ventures that have further contributed to his financial success.
Albert Pujols’ Endorsements And Sponsorships
Although it is difficult to determine the amount of money Albert Pujols has made from endorsements and sponsorships, Forbes estimates average annual earnings of $700,000 from the following:
- Nike
- Beats By Dre
- Go Rentals
- Marucci Sports
- NotOfThisWorld
Albert Pujols’ Business Dealings And Charities
Along with a family-owned restaurant, other business ventures and charitable causes started by Albert Pujols include the Pujols Family Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds and hosts events to support people with disabilities.
Albert Pujols’ Net Worth By The Numbers
Albert Pujol has a total net worth of $183 million:
- Total Career earnings: $341 million+
- Endorsement earnings: $3 million +
- Home Value: $7.7 million
- Average Annual Salary: $2.5 million (2022)
FAQs
What Does Albert Pujols Do Today?
Albert Pujols has committed to a final season in the MLB with the St Louis Cardinals for 2022.
Is Albert Pujols In The Baseball Hall Of Fame?
While Albert Pujols is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame, he is expected to be inducted sometime after his retirement.
Did Albert Pujols Use Performance-Enhancing Drugs?
Despite allegations of Albert Pujols using performance-enhancing drugs, no formal charge has been laid against him.
