Albert Pujols files for divorce from wife Deidre

Albert Pujols announced on Monday that he and his wife Deidre are getting a divorce.

Pujols said through his agent that he has filed for divorce. He and Deidre have been married for 22 years, and Deidre underwent brain surgery last week to remove a tumor. Pujols acknowledged that the timing of the announcement is not ideal but said the split “isn’t something that just happened overnight.”

Full statement from Albert Pujols … https://t.co/Pu2e3u9uW8

— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) April 4, 2022

Albert and Deidre have five children together. Deidre suggested a year ago that Albert would retire after the 2021 season, but he has since signed a one-year deal to return the St. Louis Cardinals.

Deidre revealed on social media last Tuesday that she needed surgery to remove the tumor. Pujols told reporters on Wednesday that he received a text message letting him know the procedure had gone well. The 42-year-old arrived at Spring Training on Monday and said he had been assured that the surgery was fairly routine.

“I think about it, but when it’s time to lock in, I focus on what I need to do,” Pujols said, via The Associated Press. “Yes, my thoughts and my prayers are with Didi and my family.”

Pujols spent the first 11 seasons of his career in St. Louis and won three MVPs. He helped the team capture two World Series titles. The slugger his .236 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in time spent with the Los Angeles Angeles and Los Angeles Dodgers last year.

Pujols has a base salary of $2.5 million in 2022, but his contract includes some very comical incentives.

Photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports