Albert Pujols and Michael Young have been the main headlines heading into the 2011 Major League Baseball season.
Pujols, one of the greatest players in the game's history, is seeking a record setting contract extension from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Young, one of the most loyal players in Texas Rangers history, doesn't want to be moved to designated hitter full-time and is seeking a trade.
Young has three years and $48 million remaining on his contract. At 34 years old with declining skills, the Rangers would likely have to pay a team most of his remaining money to trade him.
Last year, Pujols completed the final season of a seven year, $100 million dollar contract he signed in 2004. The Cardinals also owned a $16 million dollar team option on him for 2011, however.
Although he has cut off contract negotiations until after the season, it is highly improbable that the Cardinals would deal their star.
Pujols is one of the most consistent and dangerous hitters in baseball history. He brings an incredible intensity to the game of baseball, and it is unlikely that his performance could be further motivated by playing for a new contract.
But not every player is Albert Pujols. Many of Major League Baseball's stars become extra motivated when playing for future money.
What follows is a list of ten players, all in contract years, who will generate interest around the league prior to the July 31st trading deadline.
Data Courtesy Of
mlbcontracts.blogspot.com (Cot's Baseball Contracts)
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