The Miami Marlins have reportedly offered first baseman and the biggest free agent, Albert Pujols, a ten-year deal. The monetary value hasn't been reported so it is unclear how much it approximately is, but reports have said that the deal is worth more then $200 million.
However, the key question that remains is whether the Marlins would include a no-trade clause in the contract if Pujols accepts the deal.
Miami has already landed shortstop Jose Reyes on a six-year/$106 million deal a few days ago and they have set their sights on the biggest free agent since Alex Rodriguez. They also signed closer Heath Bell to a three-year deal worth $27 million.
The Marlins also hired former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen to become their new leading man. Guillen led the White Sox to a World Series title in 2005.
Not to mention, the Marlins will also be opening the season in a new ballpark in downtown Miami, starting in 2012.
St. Louis said that they had also submitted an offer to Pujols on Tuesday, in hopes of keeping the player who was a catalyst on their two World Series teams in the last six seasons.
Annual big spenders Boston and New York have just watched, as the Cardinals, Marlins and Chicago Cubs have attempted to sign the first baseman.
The Marlins seem to be dead set in signing Pujols, arguably the best player of the last decade. However, such talks could also be a ploy, as the Marlins could up the price for the Cardinals if they tend to keep Pujols, who has been with the Cardinals his entire career.
During his 11-year career, Pujols has typically been one of the best players in baseball. He has hit 445 home runs, while also driving in 1,329 runs. He has also batted .328 over his career, one of the best in baseball over that span.
Marlins president Larry Beinfest said of Pujols, "Look at the numbers. He’s definitely one of the most celebrated (players), and I would say he’s trending to be one of the best ever.”
But, it is hard to grasp the idea behind the Marlins' thinking, as they offered Pujols a ten-year deal, which means the contract will be up when the 11-time All-Star is 42 years old. And it is safe to say that Pujols will likely be retired then and the Marlins will be forced to pay him a hefty amount of money. But if that's what it takes to land him, then they need to do that.
It was also reported Tuesday night that the front office expects a decision from Pujols before he wakes up Wednesday morning. Of course they want him to accept, but they want to know by the end of the night if he will be taking his talents to South Beach or will be going elsewhere.
The Marlins have pressed Pujols and his agent, Dan Lozano, for an answer to their latest offer, a ten-year deal worth over $200 million.
It looks like we'll find out within the next few hours as to what Pujols will decide.
