Over the last few months we have seen the biggest player in baseball sign with a different team, in a similar sized market. Albert Pujols had been a St. Louis Cardinal his entire career, but took his talents to Los Angeles over the offseason. Since the start of the season so far, to say he has struggled would be an understatement, and as a result many of the new Angels collectors may not have latched on as much as I expected.

Here are some recent auctions:

2012 Albert Pujols Museum Collection Auto /25

2012 Albert Pujols Gypsy Queen Auto SSP

2011 Albert Pujols Tier One Auto SP /99

Leaving St. Louis was already an issue for his value, as the Cardinals have one of the most loyal fan bases in the league. New York or Boston may have been an upgrade in available pool of collectors, but Los Angeles is merely comparable at best. To get off to the start he has, is a problem in more ways than one.

Pujols is already one of the most decorated players in the current era of the league, and so his value will not decrease as long as he maintains a good standing. Production or no production, Pujols will always have a place among baseball’s elite.

Also, this is just one month in a very long season that has frequently proven to cure most small sample size issues. In fact, I would even go so far as saying that the more prices drop, the more collectors should buy. Pujols will fix things, just like he always has, and I will say to invest in the proven star more than the unproven one every time.

Even if Bryce Harper ends up being someone on Pujols’ level, his values have already surpassed the lower end of the MLB upper tier. That shows that no matter what potential he has, he has a lot to prove before he gets going.

I think Pujols will end up being one of Baseball’s best pure players of all time once things are said and done. As long as he steers clear of steroid concerns, there will be no question of his place in the HOF. That is what will continue to drive value above everyone else for years to come.