Lets say the Cards determine that they can't afford Albert Pujols contract and decide to trade him. I know its unlikely, but what would you offer the Cardinals if you were the Rangers? I would start with a package of Mike Young, Mitch Moreland, Derrick Holland and a top prospect. Maybe a Tanner Scheppers or Jurickson Profar. What would you offer them and who if anyone would be off the table?

The Cards won't take Young. But if they're out of it by the Deadline (unlikel but possible) they would probably listen o offers fo Pujols assuming they didn't believe they could resign him. The rent-a-player rate for Pujols might be Moreland and Erlin for half a season of Pujols. I don't know that I would do that. I'd probably rather have Moreland for 6 years.

Pujols isn't going to be allowed to leave. He'll likely be signing for something just short of A-roid money over 7 yrs. The guy is absolutely automatic production at MVP-levels every single yr.

His worth to some team would be a package comparable to Lee last yr, especially if he's on his usual tear come July. The Rangers would have to give up a top-3 prospect and either a young ML-ready player or a couple of mid-to-high level prospects on top of that.

@ dude in uk:

If Pujols is dead set on testing FA, and they're out by the break, he'd be traded for a Lee package. I think Moreland, Erlin, and spare parts is a similarly rated package. It's not impossible that Texas could afford him at rental rates for a half season. Highly doubtful, but not impossible.