Report: Albert Pujols makes retirement official

A stellar second half of the 2022 season didn't convince Albert Pujols to return for an encore performance next year.

The St. Louis Cardinals slugger officially signed his retirement papers from Major League Baseball on Monday, MLB.com reported, following through on his previously announced decision to end his 22-year-career.

Pujols, 42, had a career renaissance in 2022, batting .270 -- his highest average since 2014 --