Albert Pujols Free Agency: Chicago White Sox Properly Playing Bystanders

Albert Pujols won't be wearing a Chicago White Sox uniform when the 2012 MLB season begins.  Several teams will present offers to Pujols.  The White Sox won't be among them—not with all of their big contracts.

A few teams—like the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red  Sox—will compete with the St. Louis Cardinals for Pujols.  The White Sox won't join the derby.  This isn't the type of signing that Jerry Reinsdorf would allow Kenny Williams to make.

Reinsdorf is occasionally willing to post a large amount for a free agent.  However, the amount Pujols would likely ask is much more than Reinsdorf would be willing to make available.  According to SI.com, Pujols asked the Cardinals for more than the $275 million, 10-year contract given to Alex Rodriguez by the Texas Rangers.

Reinsdorf likes players who can bring the White Sox closer to the World Series, but he won't break the bank for a star.

Kenny Williams Isn't Dreaming a Pujols Pipedream

Williams has dismissed the possibility of the White Sox pursuing Pujols.  In February, ESPNChicago.com quoted Williams as scoffing at Pujols' asking price.

"If [Reinsdorf] gave me $30 million to spend right now, I'm not going to spend it on one guy.  Sorry, White Sox fans," Williams said.

That tells White Sox fans all they need to know about the White Sox' chances of signing Pujols.

Williams is pragmatic.  In a perfect world, Williams would like to be able to sit at a bargaining table with Pujols and talk about $15 million per year.  However, Pujols isn't likely to settle for that amount.

Besides, Williams knows how to build a World Series contender without buying the most expensive player on the free-agent market.  Williams recognizes that the White Sox don't need such a bulky puzzle piece when he can use smaller chunks.

By the way, Williams likely knows Reinsdorf wouldn't give him $30 million to spend on one player.

This Isn't the Year for the White Sox to Spend Big in Free Agency

Last year, the White Sox spent big on free agents, acquiring Adam Dunn, and re-signing Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski.  This offseason will be fairly quiet for the White Sox.  MLB.com assured that the White Sox aren't expected to chase any big free agents.

Other than re-signing Mark Buehrle, the White Sox will be on the sidelines during the free-agent derby.

The White Sox have $89 million committed to 12 players for 2012.  Re-signing Buehrle would put the White Sox past $100 million.  That wouldn't leave Williams with much wiggle room.

Reinsdorf isn't the type to spend much more than $100 million on his team.

The White Sox have their share of big contracts.  In 2012, Jake Peavy will receive $17 million.  Adam Dunn will receive $14 million.  Alex Rios is due for $12 million.

Williams won't add Pujols to that list.

Conclusion: The White Sox Are Right Not to Pursue Pujols

Pujols may be one of the greatest sluggers of all time.  A team is greatly improved with Pujols in their lineup.

However, the White Sox don't need Pujols.  While it would be nice if the White Sox could sign him, Pujols simply costs too much.  The White Sox don't need his contract.

Dunn has been the White Sox' experiment in taking a slugger from the National League to the American League.  Even though Pujols would likely succeed in the AL, the White Sox don't need to be the one to convert him.

Let another team spend the bank on Pujols.