2012 MLB Free Agency: Why Albert Pujols Should Re-Sign with St. Louis Cardinals

Albert Pujols is becoming a free agent. He needs to realize that staying a St. Louis Cardinal would be the best thing for all parties involved.

Pujols has been the best player in baseball for over a decade, and even though he had a poor season (to his standards), he still has plenty left in the tank.

Instead of signing with another team, Pujols should just stay in St. Louis.

First off, it would be the best thing for his legacy. Everyone identifies him as a Cardinal, and if he plays another incredible decade in St. Louis, he will go down as one of the most legendary players in the history of baseball (with plenty of records with him).

He's already helped the Cardinals win a World Series. He's still building on a dozen records that could someday be his. So, by staying in St. Louis, he keeps the pressure off himself. He's done everything there is to be done. Now, he can just add to everything.

Second, the market isn't really that good for him. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox (the two biggest spenders) are already set at first base and DH. While any team would love to have Pujols in their lineup, it just wouldn't make sense for those two.

Other than that, not many good teams can afford him.

The Kansas City Royals seem poised to make an offer to him, but they aren't going to contend anytime soon. While St. Louis hasn't been a perennial World Series contender, they have always been in the playoff race, which gives them an outside shot every year.

If Pujols wants to give himself the best chance to get paid and win, he needs to stay.

Finally, the Cardinals need Pujols to stay. He has been the face of their franchise for over 10 years, and they can't afford to let him go. Outside of his image, they can't afford to replace his production. He's a beast, and the team would be crippled if he's removed him from their lineup.

Pujols needs to stay in St. Louis. It would be best for his legacy, his current situation and the Cardinals.

It just makes sense.