Albert Pujols still plans to retire, even if he doesn't reach 700 HR mark by season's end

Amid a career renaissance at 42 years old, St. Louis Cardinals' first baseman Albert Pujols is also on the doorstep of baseball immortality. 

Nearing the end of August, Pujols is just eight home runs away from No. 700 for his career. However, the Cardinals' have only 43 games remaining, and the three-time MVP has stated all season long that 2022 would be his last. 

Over the weekend, Pujols once again quieted any speculation about possibly returning for another season. Pujols told USA Today's Bob Nightengale his journey toward No. 700 wouldn't impact his decision to hang up the cleats at the end of the year.  

"I'm still going to retire, no matter whether I end up hitting 693, 696, 700, whatever," Pujols said. "I don't get caught up in numbers. If you were going to tell me 22 years ago that I would be this close, I would have told you that you're freakin' crazy. My career has been amazing."