Miami Marlins offer contract to free agent Albert Pujols – MLB News
After the National League’s eastern franchise Florida Marlins officially announced the change of their name to Miami Marlins, the club has reportedly offered the free agent Albert Pujols a contract. The franchise however declined to confirm the reports and
refused to provide any information about the contract proposal.
Albert Pujols is currently on tour to Miami, where he had a lunch meeting with team’s front office and checked out the club’s new ballpark. It was at this time when Miami offered him a contract, stated the sources known with the situation.
Last week, Albert, who is now a free agent after completing his successful eleven-year tenure with the World Series Champions, St. Louis Cardinals, stated that he is waiting for God to decide about his future. The three-time NL Most Valuable Player is enjoying
free agency for the first time in his career. There has not been seen any contract discussion between the Cardinals and Pujols during the season, before which Pujols had asked for $30 million one year contract. Both parties however have still not ruled out
the possibility of reaching some sort of agreement.
The Marlins, on the other hand, with a new extended stadium and increased income expectations in the coming season, will be able to hire a few costly free agents like Pujols. The club’s owner Jeffrey Loria confirmed it saying that the club was not able to
make extra pay in the older stadium but now a new era will be written.
"We're looking at everyone," Loria said. "We want to make this team as special as we can. We would be foolish not to entertain the possibility of some of these players. It's just one of those things that mean you're going forward. We have had our hands tied
for a long time. With this new stadium we want to step into a new light."
Pujols was offered $16 million contract extension by the Cardinals before last year, which he declined. Experts believe the Marlins must have at least $25 million annual pay to hire a star slugger. As the club is expecting a considerable raise in their payroll,
from $57 to at least $80 million, they will have enough to hire the right-hander, according to an expert.
The Marlins has also offered contracts to free agents Jose Reyes and left-hander Mark Buehrle. Loria along with his team officials also examined Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on Thursday. Marlins’ new manager Ozzie Guillen will also be helping the front
office in the hiring process, according to a local newspaper.
Loria was jubilant to move the headquarters of the club from Florida to Miami. It will be interesting to see if Pujols goes to Miami or has something else in mind.
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