What Will Be the Market For Pujols & Fielder

A few nights ago, I was watching MLB Network and they were discussing where super star first baseman Albert Pujols mind end up after the season ends and the free agent market opens.  Harold Reynolds predicted that the career Cardinal would not be back in St. Louis next season.  I decided the possible destinations for Pujols and fellow free agent-to-be Prince Fielder, was worth a look.

The first round of the playoffs was as exciting and dramatic as any fan could have possibly hoped for.  We can only hope the second round will be the same.  As the first week of the post season unfolded, though, I found myself intrigued by the possible landing spots for two of the biggest names still playing.  Both Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols will get long term, big dollar contracts but who will be their suitors. 

The usual big spenders probably won’t be in play and that’s what makes this situation interesting.  The Yankees, Red Sox, and Phillies already have first base manned by stars.  The Yankees and Red Sox could sign one of the free agents as a designated hitters but both already have massive contracts tying up extra dollars and both need to add pitching, which never comes cheap.  Other teams like Detroit, the White Sox, and Angels are all locked up at first. 

There is a large number of teams that either would never, ever spend the money needed to sign either one or they already have good, young talent ready to start on a daily basis.  These teams include Tampa Bay, Pittsburg, Arizona, Colorado, San Diego, Kansas City, Florida, Atlanta, Houston, Seattle, Minnesota, Oakland, and Cincinnati.  The Dodgers are out because of their public financial problems.  I suspect the Cubs, unless they can significantly reduce their payroll, are probably also out.  Milwaukee has already tried to sign Fielder and he seems intent on moving on, so they are more than likely out as well.  

So, who is left?  My initial thought was the Mets would be out because they are in a similar financial situation as the Cubs.  Still, you can never predict what a big market team may do.  I would be surprised if they come at either star very hard.  The Indians would normally not pursue the big names but this is a team on the brink of annual competition and either Fielder or Pujols would be a gigantic help.  I’m not sure they will be a serious suitor or not.  San Francisco has the young Brandon Belt but he could be moved to the outfield if the Giants decide that their horrible offense needs a major upgrade.  I would not discount the Giants in this race.  The Rangers are loaded with offense but they do not have an everyday first baseman and have shown a willingness to drop some big money.  I imagine Texas will be in on the discussions.  Toronto been trimming payroll for a couple of years now and I am not sure what parameters ownership has put into place but the Blue Jays are an up and coming team and a big bopper at first would fit in nicely here. 

That leaves the Cardinals, Orioles, and Nationals.  I would be amazed if St Louis doesn’t work something out with King Albert.  He is the face of their franchise and the best hitter of our generation.  I can’t imagine he will get the 10 year deal he wants – from anyone.  I would anticipate maybe a seven year deal for around 175 million.  I just don’t know if this is in the Cardinals budget.  My gut feeling is they will make a deal to keep their super star.

So, now we look at the two teams sharing the national capitol’s audience, the Nationals and Orioles.  Fielder would be a good fit for either.  The Nationals are building a team featuring young, developing stars but have also been aggressive in pursuing big ticket free agents.  Add Fielder to Werth and Zimmerman, plus the young guys on the edge of success, and you have a pretty potent lineup.  The Orioles have struggled for the last decade to find an identity.  They have wavered back in worth on trying to build from within and from trying to buy a competitive team.  Neither has worked.  Offensively, they have not improved noticeably over the last few years and have few can’t miss prospects in their system.  Two years ago, the farm system was loaded with live, powerful arms, but thus far, they haven’t panned out as Baltimore had hoped.  If the Oriole brass thinks they are close, maybe they make a big run at Prince.  While this option may seem far fetched, it is the kind of signing the Orioles have been willing to make in the past.

What do I think will happen?  I already mentioned I thought St. Louis will sign King Albert.  If I were to lay money, I would bet on the Nationals landing Fielder.  I think the Rangers, Blue Jays, and Giants push up the salary and Prince may end up with a contract similar in length and money as what Pujols gets.  Of course, some dark horse with more money than sense will probably come up with some ridiculous offer for one of these guys and then all bets are off.  I have learned to never be surprised about some of the contracts signed by these baseball super stars.  Few of them make much sense.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the playoffs.  They should be exciting.

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