Albert Pujols: Slugger Would Be Insane to Turn Down Marlins Deal

Albert Pujols is the biggest star available on the free-agent market in years. He is one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history and has only played for one franchise in his career.

All that should change considering how hard the Miami Marlins are pursuing him. 

In case you missed it, Jon Heyman reported on Monday that the new-look Marlins are offering Pujols a 10-year contract.

As more news leaked today, we have learned from Bob Nightengale that the deal is in excess of $200 million. That part should come as no surprise to anyone because of the length of the proposed deal and the fact that Pujols turned down an offer from the Cardinals last season for $22 million per season. 

As painful as it is for Cardinals fans to think about life without Pujols, he has to do what is in the best interest of himself and his family, and it is hard to see the Cardinals coming close to matching this deal without hurting the rest of the team long-term. 

Pujols has a tough decision on his hands, assuming the Cardinals counter with an offer that is at least close to what the Marlins have offered—possibly an eight-year deal for $200 million?—but if they can't or don't want to, he should take his talents to South Beach. 

Personally, I wouldn't give Pujols anything close to a 10-year deal. He is going to enter his decline sooner than later, and that is a lot of money and a lot of years to be paying him like he is an elite player. 

Pujols has a tough choice to make, but considering how over the top the Marlins have gone to make him feel like he is the cure for what ails the franchise, it should be a lot easier. 

There are still two more days left at the Winter Meetings, so a lot of things can change, but the Marlins have to be the leaders in the clubhouse for Pujols. 

To be honest, Pujols would be insane not to take the deal.