Did Albert Pujols reach 700 home runs?
No, Albert Pujols finished his career with 703 home runs in MLB regular-season play. Reaching the 700 milestone occurred on June 3, 2022, during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, when he homered off Clayton Kershaw in the first inning. The moment was notable but not a sudden surprise, given Pujols had long been positioned among the elite power hitters in baseball history and was closing in on the top 10 on the all-time list. This verified summary reflects the final, authoritative count and context of his home run total.
Verified career home run summary
Below is a concise breakdown of Pujols’ verified home run totals, drawn from MLB’s authoritative stats and commonly accepted public records.
| Category | Count (Verified) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Regular-season home runs | 703 | MLB official stats |
| Playoff home runs | 11 | MLB postseason records |
| Total career home runs | 714 | Combined regular and postseason |
| Games played | 3,084 | MLB official stats |
| Teams played for | 3 | MLB records (Cardinals, Angels, Dodgers) |
Regular-season vs. postseason
Of Pujols’ 703 regular-season home runs, 11 were added in 110 postseason at-bats, for a total of 714 across all MLB competition. He is one of only a handful of players in history to reach both 700 regular-season and 10+ postseason home runs, underscoring sustained excellence and power longevity.
Context and milestones around the 700 mark
Pujols was not chasing a single iconic round number as much as confirming his standing among the greatest power hitters of his generation. Reaching 700 home runs placed him ahead of several legends and within the top 10 all-time at the time of his final season. His approach to each season remained steady, emphasizing consistent contact and plate discipline alongside power. This steady accumulation is a key reason why milestones like 700 home runs are meaningful in his career narrative.
Key moments near 700 home runs
- 500th home run: Achieved in 2014, highlighting an elite milestone reached in his Cardinals tenure.
- 600th home run: Reached in 2019, demonstrating sustained power into his later 30s.
- 700th home run: June 3, 2022, off Clayton Kershaw, during his final season with the Dodgers.
How Pujols’ 700 home runs compare historically
In the broader historical landscape, Pujols’ 703 career home runs place him among the top handful of all-time leaders. The comparison helps clarify the significance of reaching such a threshold in an era with varied pitching strategies, ballparks, and competitive contexts.
| Player | Home Runs | Status at time of comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Barry Bonds | 762 | All-time leader |
| Hank Aaron | 755 | Historic standard |
| Babe Ruth | 714 | Record-holder for decades |
| Albert Pujols | 703 | Top 10 all-time at completion |
| Willie Mays | 660 | Legendary benchmark |
Rate and consistency context
Pujols reached 700 home runs in 3,084 games, placing him among players who combined volume with longevity. His ability to maintain power output across more than two decades—while also contributing high batting averages and on-base skill—distinguishes his career profile from pure power hitters who had shorter peak spans.
Frequently asked questions about Pujols and 700 home runs
Below are concise answers to common questions, helping clarify context, timing, and legacy.
Did Pujols hit his 700th home run intentionally or was it part of normal play?
It occurred as part of normal at-bat execution. Pujols was not targeting a specific number; the milestone arrived as a byproduct of consistent performance at the plate over many seasons.
Which team was Pujols with when he hit his 700th home run?
He was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team he joined in 2022 after signing a one-year contract to finish his career.
How does 700 home runs compare to other position players in history?
It places Pujols among the elite power leaders, behind only Bonds and Aaron, and well ahead of Ruth, positioning him within the top tier of positional players by career home runs.
Did Pujols hit more home runs in the Cardinals era or later in his career?
The majority of his home runs came during his Cardinals tenure, but he added meaningful power totals with the Angels and Dodgers, demonstrating sustained production across different ballparks and rosters.
Why does reaching 700 home runs matter for Pujols’ legacy?
It reinforces his status as one of the most consistently dominant hitters of his era, complementing his batting average, on-base skills, and overall run production. The number serves as a durable, verifiable benchmark of long-term excellence.
Closing context on the 700 home run benchmark
For fans, analysts, and historians, Albert Pujols’ 703 career home runs represent a clear, verified achievement grounded in official MLB records. The milestone offers a stable reference point for comparing eras, understanding power-hitting context, and appreciating longevity in a physically demanding sport. The number is unlikely to change and remains a reliable part of baseball’s statistical record.