Albert Pujols Divorcing Wife, Deidre, After 22 Years, 'Irreconcilable

12:45 PM PT -- 4/5 -- TMZ Sports has obtained Pujols' divorce docs ... which show the couple officially broke things off back in February 2022. The reason behind the split is listed as "irreconcilable differences" ... and Pujols is requesting joint custody for their three minor children.

Albert and Deidre Pujols divorce Getty UPDATE

12:45 PM PT -- 4/5 -- TMZ Sports has obtained Pujols' divorce docs ... which show the couple officially broke things off back in February 2022.

UPDATE

The reason behind the split is listed as "irreconcilable differences" ... and Pujols is requesting joint custody for their three minor children.

Albert Pujols is going into his farewell season as a single man -- the MLB legend just announced his divorce from his wife of more than 2 decades.

"I've been asked a lot of questions over the past few days regarding what's been going on at home and sadly, after 22 years of marriage, I have made the decision to file for divorce from my wife, Deidre," Pujols said in a statement.

Pujols acknowledges the timing of the news -- considering his wife had brain surgery to have a tumor removed last week -- is not ideal ... but the split wasn't "something that just happened overnight."

Albert and Deidre Pujols Getty

"As a devout Christian, this is an outcome that I never wanted to see happen. For many long days and nights, I prayed, asking the Lord for His guidance."

Pujols -- who married Deidre in 2000 -- did not go into detail about the breakup.

"I am thankful for the five beautiful children that we brought into this world and remain committed to raising them in a loving and safe environment."

Pujols -- who spent the majority of his career with the Cardinals and Angels -- is a 2-time World Series champ, 3-time National League MVP and 10-time All-Star. He's hit 679 home runs in his career ... which is fifth all-time.

Originally Published -- 4/4 12:22 PM PT

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbnZZ5qopV9nfXN%2BjmlraGhkZK6trsSrq2aopZ%2B8rb%2BMnaCvp6KYtq%2BzjLCgn51dmbKqsNGeZGtqXa6yor7SaA%3D%3D

 Share!