I know were all neck deep in the NFL season, but for those of you who have forgotten, the baseball off-season has just started. Each and every year the league sees two or three prize free agents that are fought for and sold to the highest bidder. In 2008 it was C.C. Sabathia signing with the Yankees, and last year it was Carl Crawford going to the Red Sox (how much you love that signing now, Boston?). This year, we see three prize free agents that will yield the most money; Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and Jose Reyes. The three of them may not sign until much later in the winter, but let’s take a moment to try and predict where these three All-Stars will play next season.
Albert Pujols (31 years old, .299 AVG, 37 HRs, 99 RBIs last season)
Among the free agent class, Albert Pujols is the most accomplished of the bunch. Fresh off his second world series victory, Pujols is looking for a huge payday this winter. It was reported today that the Miami Marlins had offered Pujols a 9-year deal worth $255 million, which should be around the contract that Pujols receives. A month ago I thought Pujols for sure would go back to St. Louis, his home for 10 seasons. However, with the retirement of Tony LaRussa and the fact that the Cardinals roster is not earth shattering, I’m wondering whether or not Pujols will return to St. Louis. Pujols is the best player in baseball, but buyer beware: Pujols is 31 and a 9-year contract will see the beginning of the end of his abilities. Much like Alex Rodriguez and Mark Texiera, whoever sings Pujols will be handcuffed by his contract in its later years.
Prediction: Pujols will re-sign with the St. Louis Cardinals
Prince Fielder (27 years old, .299 AVG, 38 HRs, 120 RBIs last season)
Prince Fielder, in my eyes, is the best free agent of the bunch. Fielder put together an MVP-type season last year as apart of the Brewers playoff run. Fielder, who is only 27 years old, will give whichever team he signs with the majority of his prime years. Unlike Pujols, Fielder may not start to decline until the end of his new contract. Fielder is also a very good fielder despite his size, and is one of the only 275 pound person I’ve ever seen hit a triple. The market will heat up for Fielder once Pujols sets the standard, and look for teams like Texas, Baltimore, Washington and Miami to be in the mix.
Prediction: Fielder goes to Texas where the Rangers make him a very expensive man
Jose Reyes (28 years old, .377 AVG, 7 HRs, 44 RBIs last season)
Whoever signs Jose Reyes will be spending alot of money for an injury prone speedster who rack’s up a whole bunch of hits. Before a hamstring injury sidelined him, Reyes was on his way to a potential MVP season in New York last year. I don’t see Reyes returning to the Mets, where the financial trouble is too much to bear. I think its a forgone conclusion that Reyes goes to Miami to team up with Hanley Ramirez on the left side of the infield.
Prediction: Reyes takes his talents to South Beach
Reyes, Fielder, and Pujols will not be the only prized free agents this winter. C.J. Wilson of the Rangers will most likely get a huge deal from Boston or the Yankees, while japanese hurler Yu Darvish might be the greatest steal of the frenzy. Mark Buerhle may join Reyes in Miami or Pujols in St. Louis. Be sure to stay tuned, because the MLB offseason is one of the only entertaining transaction periods in sports.
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