Albert Pujols to command $300 million?
The St. Louis Cardinals were hoping to retain Albert Pujols with a hometown discount. The only problem is that Pujols and his agent feel they’ve already given the club a discount and now want to cash in.
According to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark, Pujols and agent Dan Lozano opened the negotiation process with the Cardinals by asking for $300 million over 10 years. The first baseman is coming off a seven-year, $100 million contract that was club-friendly given his production, so now Pujols is hoping the club will return the favor.
As Stark points out, there has never been a $300-million man in baseball history, which includes Alex Rodriguez (who signed a 10-year, $275 million contract in 2008). But given what Pujols has accomplished throughout his career and what he means to the Cardinals’ organization, what’s to say he shouldn’t become the first player to receive a $300 million deal? If there were only one player to make that much, shouldn’t it be Albert Pujols (the best pure hitter in the game)?
The Cardinals have built their team around Pujols, so losing him really isn’t an option. And if they’re not willing to pony up the $300 million, that doesn’t mean another team won’t.
Now obviously, we have no idea whether the Cubs’ new ownership is ready to start signing off on $300 million contracts. But the Cardinals can’t be sure of that. And even if the Cubs don’t drive the auction, does anybody honestly think Pujols won’t have a market, just because the other big spenders — the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers and Phillies — appear all set at first base for years to come?
Let’s just tick off a few teams: Rangers … Nationals … Orioles … Blue Jays. Maybe the Dodgers, or Angels, or even the Mets if they can get their finances straight.
“I wouldn’t even rule out the Red Sox and Yankees,” said one executive. “We’re talking about Albert Pujols. I could see them looking at first base, looking at DH and moving people around. I don’t think they could let that kind of talent go by.”
The clock is ticking. Pujols said he wanted a new deal done by the time players had to report to spring training, which is now less than 30 days away. They have to make a decision and it looks like Pujols’ side isn’t willing to comprise just to stay loyal to the organization. It’s time for the Cardinals to either put a giant-sized hole in their bank account or fill a giant-sized hole in their lineup.
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Posted in: MLB
Tags: Albert Pujols, Albert Pujols contract, Albert Pujols rumors, St. Louis Cardinals
If anyone is worth that amount in baseball, it is Albert. Being 31 years old with a 10 year contract, arguably the last three years you will see his numbers slide from his past accomplishments. Albert is a franchise player and I would definitely reward him for his performance on and off the field. Good man, great neighbor, wonderful father and outstanding player. Unfortunately you pay for his play and not his performance.
Whoever signs him better put a performance enhancing drug clause in the contract. I’m just sayin’…
What kinda works against “Phat Albert” right now is that just about the only TWO teams who could foreseeably afford to sign him as a free agent are already on the long-term hook with their own first-baseman (Mark Texeira in New York, and, now, Adrian Gonzalez in Boston)… :/
the discount has been given but they have supplied him with talent around him that is not cheap. i’m thinking 250 mil for 10 years but really whats 5 mil a year extra for the face of your franchise for the next 20 years just like STAN the MAN
Trade him no baseball player is worth that much money, you have to be a fool to pay that. I like baseball but this is a stupid amount to pay someone. Football is a tougher sport and they don’t make this kind of money. When and what would anyone do with that much money. Baseball need to stop with these kind on contracts. and get back to playing ball.
Albert deserves his payday. The Cards have had him packing the stadium for 10 years for an average of LESS THAN $9 Million a year. A real bargain in the world of baseball. It will surely increase ticket prices but that’s alright by me because I prefer to watch my games from my couch anyway.
to the idiot comparing this to football…you sir, are retarded.
Pujols is worth $300 million, he is a hall of famer if he were to retire today…there are very few other people who can say that at his age.
Albert wants to play for the Yankees and they will pay $300k for him. As. A life time card fan I think Syl is foolish not to bite the bullet and give the $300k and get it over with. He will earn it all back for them.