MLB Rumors: Albert Pujols' Age Won't Affect His Market Value

Albert Pujols' age has been called into question, but the ambiguity won't deter teams from showering him in money. He's the most high-profile free agent ever, and regardless of how old Pujols actually is, teams are still going to jump at the chance to land the best player in baseball.

Whether he's actually 31 or not, Pujols provides a huge boost to any lineup, will single-handedly send ticket sales through the roof and is an MVP threat year in and year out.

He's the big fish every team would love to land, and though Prince Fielder is a great consolation prize, teams are still going to want to land Pujols.

It's going to take a ridiculous deal to bring him in, as he turned down a nine-year, $225 million offer from the Marlins.

Pujols' options won't be limited because he may be a bit more long in the tooth than he says he is. A long-term deal is coming his way, and even if teams are convinced that he could be over 40 if he were to play out his entire deal, he's well worth the money.

Teams run the risk of seeing a more rapid decline by signing Pujols, who could be much older than records indicate, but clubs should be more than willing to assume that risk.

This is Albert Pujols we are talking about.

It's a lofty investment, but suggesting that everyone is going to back off because they have reservations about signing a player who could be headed into his mid-30's is absurd.

Even if he doesn't live up to expectations, bringing in Pujols would be a home run for the organization. He's the type of marquee player who is a publicity dream come true and will be a monster acquisition that makes people forget about concerns with his age.