Albert Pujols: Power Ranking His Potential Free Agency Landing Spots
The MLB season is just now getting into full swing, but it is never too early to look ahead to next year. The premier free agent for next year is Albert Pujols, and he will have plenty of teams throwing money his way in exchange for his services.
Pujols has struggled a bit this year, as he is only batting .235 this season. However, it is only a matter of time before the St. Louis Cardinals' star finds his stroke.
Pujols is batting .330 for his career and has proved that he is by far the most consistent player in the game.
Some team is going to have to shell out a lot of money and a lot of years to acquire his services, but there is no doubt it will happen.
8. Boston Red Sox
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The Boston Red Sox shouldn't have interest in Albert Pujols at all after recently signing Adrian Gonzalez to a long-term extension. However, it is tough to put anything past them. They are seemingly in the market for every big-time free agent, and next year likely won't be any different.
It would be crazy for a team to consider spending greater than $100 million on a guy to come in and be a DH, but who knows what the Red Sox have up their sleeve?
In all likelihood this will not happen, but the Red Sox spend money like a kid in a candy shop, so anything can happen.
7. New York Mets
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Every year MLB fans find themselves wondering how the New York Mets are so bad. They have tons of talent including Johan Santana, Jose Reyes and Jason Bay, but they somehow cannot turn that talent into victories.
It will likely be tough for the Mets to even come up with money for Pujols given their financial situation, but crazier things have definitely happened.
Much like the Yankees and Red Sox, the Mets always find themselves in the conversation to add a star player to the mix.
6. Washington Nationals
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The Washington Nationals just shelled out big bucks to bring in Jayson Werth, and have made it known they are willing to spend as much as it takes to become a serious contender in the National League.
With Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper expected to be major contributors next year, the Nationals may actually be able to make a run at something if they are able to acquire Albert Pujols.
However, it is hard imagining Pujols heading to a team that is not a serious contender at this time, as he likely cares more about winning a World Series than adding a couple extra million to his bank account.
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5. New York Yankees
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Again, another team that really should not be on this list, but they have to be considered an option since they are constantly in the market for big-name players.
Like the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees love to throw money away and will throw it at any player that comes along. The Yankees are already paying Mark Teixeira $180 million over eight years retroactive to 2009, so there is really no need for Albert Pujols, unless they want him to be a DH.
The Red Sox and Yankees are always competing against each other for free agents and are constantly increasing players' values on their own. It wouldn't be a shock if these two teams got into another bidding war with Pujols simply to make sure the other team doesn't get him.
4. San Francisco Giants
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With winning a World Series in the back of Pujols' mind, he will certainly remember the way the Giants cruised to a World Series this past season.
The Giants have the pitching and the field players necessary to draw Pujols away from the Cardinals. Although Aubrey Huff is under contract, it will expire after next season, and the Giants could look to ship him out of town if they acquire Pujols.
It may be a bit of a stretch for the Giants to pull something like that off, but if there is enough mutual interest on both sides, it will be tough for the Giants to pass up.
3. Los Angeles Angels
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The LA Angels made a play for Carl Crawford last year, and at one point it appeared there was no chance of him signing with any team except for the Angels.
However, as we all know, Crawford eventually landed with the Boston Red Sox, and the Angels are still looking for their star player.
Pujols could easily come in and make an impact for the Angels, as they don't have a clear cut starter at first base. They are currently using a rotation of Mark Trumbo and Howie Kendrick, neither of whom has had much success.
Adding Pujols would be a huge boost to this team and its fanbase, as the Angels are in desperate need of a star player. The Angels will be one of the premier landing spots, and adding a player like Pujols could put them over the top.
2. Texas Rangers
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The Texas Rangers appeared on the verge of breaking through and had a shot at winning the World Series last year. They have a premier core of young pitchers and a lot of talent on the field.
However, an upgrade at first base, in the form of Albert Pujols, could be enough to spring this team over the top. Pujols would be landing in the perfect situation, as this team is certainly on the rise and capable of winning the World Series within the next few years
With the money the Rangers saved on not signing Cliff Lee, they can instead put toward signing Pujols. If Pujols wants to win a World Series, and doesn't find himself with the Yankees or Red Sox, the best fit is with the Texas Rangers.
1. Chicago Cubs
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Carlos Pena has struggled over the past season and a half and has worn out his welcome with the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs will certainly be in the market for a first baseman, and who better than Albert Pujols? Chicago plays in one of the best markets for baseball and will certainly be willing to spend the money to acquire the star first baseman.
The Cubs don't look like World Series contenders right now, but maybe Pujols can finally be the player who pushes this struggling franchise over the top. With the right amount of money, Pujols may be the next star playing in the bright lights of the Windy City.
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