It’s decisions time for Albert Pujols, but he says he’s going to need more time. After the Miami Marlins pressed the free agent first basemen for an answer one way or the other late Tuesday, Pujols and his agent Dan Lozano say he needs more time before making a decision.
Some numbers are starting to trickle in from the MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas about what Miami may be offering Albert Pujols. Sources, reported by ESPN, say the deal is over $200 million for 10 years with “provisions that would link Pujols to the Marlins beyond his playing career.” Perhaps that means a share in ownership? The Cardinals also have an offer that is better than the nine year they first offered last off-season.
To predict what will happen, if there is a short amount of time between now and Pujols’ decision, that would favor the Cardinals because it would mean if GM John Mozeliak didn’t have a better offer, it was certainly close enough to Miami’s to not make it worth Pujols’ while to move. The longer this goes doesn’t necessarily mean the Cardinals are out of it, but it certainly shows that the Marlins may be able to pull this off.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has reported that the Cardinals offered Pujols 10 years at $220 million.
ESPN brought up some good points. First, Florida does not have a state income tax, which could be perceived as added value and while they don’t have a no-trade clause in the agreement, by adding the stipulations of a role with the club beyond his playing days, it certainly shows a long term commitment.