I know there’s been speculation about this before, but I don’t recall anyone coming out and saying directly that we were the runners up to signing him.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...ls/1509905001/
The mystery team that finished second in the negotiations was the Cincinnati Reds. They offered Pujols a 10-year, $225 million contract, according to the person, even with All-Star Joey Votto already at first base.
“We thought we were going to get him,’’ said Jocketty, the Reds’ executive adviser who was their general manager from 2008-2015 after 13 years as the Cardinals’ GM. “We thought he would certainly give our organization a lift with his presence, on and off the field."