The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Cardinals and Pujols’ representation have reestablished dialogue regarding re-signing the free-agent first baseman. According to the report, both sides confirmed that Cardinals ownership met with Pujols’ agent, Dan Lozano on Tuesday night to discuss things. However, the nature of the talks is still uncertain at this point.
The Cardinals originally offered Pujols, who will be 32 on Opening Day, a nine-year contract extension worth a reported $22 million annually before the 2011 season. Pujols, who was believed to be looking for more years and more money, rejected the Cardinals’ offer and vowed to put off all negotiations until season’s end, a pledge he stayed true to.
The Miami Marlins have already met with the All-Star, and they’ve reportedly offered him a nine-year deal, that is believed to fall below the St. Louis offer. The Marlins’ offer is believed to be the only other offer Pujols has received thus far.
Unsurprisingly, the Cardinals are keeping things close to the vest.
“I don’t think a timetable has been determined,” Cards general manager John Mozeliak told the Post-Dispatch. “Even if we do lay something out privately, we’re probably not going to go public.”
