Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols is due to be a hot commodity in the free-agent market during the offseason after he and St. Louis failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension during the season. After winning the World Series, Pujols reportedly hopes to remain in St. Louis, but only with the right contract.
While the Cardinals hope to retain one of the best hitters in baseball, former Red Sox pitcher and current analyst Curt Schilling questions whether Pujols is worth a multiyear deal that pays $25-$30 million a year, according to Larry Brown Sports.
“I’m not sure if eight years … you’re talking about a $200-$250 million deal if the numbers are to be believed. They’re some questions in my mind if this is a 25 or 30 million dollar [player],” Schilling said after the World Series ended. “[He’s the] best offensive player in the game — not for a second do I question that. But if I’m going to pay a guy $25-$30 million, I need everything.
“I need that clubhouse presence. I need that guy who stands in front of the media win or lose and doesn’t shirk that stuff off to his teammates. I was a little disappointed after the Game 2 situation. Regardless of what happened, you’re a leader. I don’t want my teammates to have to field questions about me.”
Pujols, along with Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, headlines the list of free agents available during the offseason.
