Cubs' 1-Year Commitment to Carlos Pena Keeps Albert Pujols Possibility Alive

by Ed Price

Filed under: Cardinals, Cubs, NL Central, MLB Rumors, MLB Inside Scoop, MLB Winter Meetings

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Carlos Pena wanted a one-year contract to re-establish his value, he said Wednesday after he signed with the Cubs. But there was a good reason for Chicago to commit to only one year with Pena.

That reason is named Albert Pujols.

The Cubs needed a first baseman, surely. But a year from now, when, barring an extension, Albert Pujols is a free agent, they will need one again. And some of the other large-market teams will presumably be set at the position (Mark Teixeira with the Yankees, Adrian Gonzalez with the Red Sox and Kendry Morales with the Angels), leaving the Cubs positioned nicely if the Cardinals can't re-sign Pujols.

It appears that so far, St. Louis and Pujols' agent, Dan Lozano, have had only preliminary discussions on a new contract.

 

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