When discussions surface as to who is the best player in baseball, a common answer is Albert Pujols. When discussions pertain to which player has the strongest link to his current franchise, Pujols is a pretty solid choice.
When the question is posed of who will create the biggest free-agent buzz next offseason, there is a familiar response: Albert Pujols.
This all changes if Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals come to terms on a contract extension at some point during the 2011 season. But since we are so geeked up right now over offseason maneuvering, it's fun to dream about the buzz that could surround Pujols hitting the market.
Unfortunately, the two biggest players in the sweepstakes — Boston and the New York Yankees — are likely out of the mix, unless Pujols would be amenable to serving as a designated hitter, an unlikely scenario. Philadelphia, perhaps the biggest spenders in the National League, is all set at first base as well. And it's doubtful the Cardinals would ever let Pujols go to the NL's other deep-pocketed club, the Chicago Cubs.
That leaves a handful of teams which will vie for Pujols' god-like production. In the NL, one would have to imagine the Mets and Dodgers and perhaps the Braves getting involved. The AL, which might be a better long-term fit if Pujols does have some DH-worthy days ahead, could see Anaheim, Baltimore and Toronto kick the tires.
Can you imagine the fallout in St. Louis if Prince Albert wound up a Blue Jay or an Oriole? We probably won't ever see that. Both sides have indicated that discussions toward an extension are under way. In the likely event that Pujols returns to Busch, here are five other names that could cause a bit of a stir a year from now:
Prince Fielder — One of the names perpetually linked to the Red Sox before Adrian Gonzalez came aboard, Fielder is a Scott Boras guy. The Milwaukee first baseman will be keeping a close eye on the Pujols negotiations. If the latter ever hits the market, Fielder takes a definitive back seat in terms of free-agent first basemen.
Jimmy Rollins — Some of the same arguments made against Derek Jeter this offseason will be made against Rollins, especially if he fails to rebound from an injury-plagued year. He will be an aging shortstop whose best years are behind him. Still, Rollins will only be 33 if and when he hits the market, so a four-year deal somewhere could be in the cards.
Jose Bautista — It's too bad Bautista picked the year before he hits free agency to go off. If he can even flirt with the 50-homer mark again, he will head to the market a marked man. Bautista plays both third base and right field, but he seems to be a much better fit in right. If the Yankees decide to part ways with Nick Swisher in a year, Bautista could wind up in the Bronx.
Jonathan Papelbon — Not only does Papelbon have the motivation of a down 2010 campaign to get him going, but he also figures to be one of several closers on the market. If he wants to stand out, putting forth a solid 2011 season would be a good start. Heath Bell (if he doesn't sign an extension), Jonathan Broxton, Matt Capps, Francisco Cordero, Brad Lidge, Joe Nathan and Jose Valverde could all be among Papelbon's competition.
Adam Wainwright — Should he turn down a $10 million option and test free agency (a good bet), Wainwright would be the top arm on the market. St. Louis hopes to sign both Pujols and Wainwright. If one or both get greedy with their demands, all eyes will be on the Cards.
Others of note: Swisher, David Ortiz, Grady Sizemore, Carlos Pena, Carlos Beltran, Mark Buehrle, Chris Carpenter, C.J. Wilson, Edwin Jackson.
CC Sabathia has a clause in his contract which allows him to opt out of the remaining four years of his deal with the Yankees, which would put him at the top of this list.
Who will create the biggest free-agent buzz next offseason? Share your thoughts below.
