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Pujols, Fielder get arbitration offers

NEW YORK — Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Jose Reyes were offered salary arbitration Wednesday, guaranteeing their teams two extra draft picks next year if they sign with new clubs.

Teams offered 26 players arbitration, of which six were Type A free agents. A new club signing one of those premier players would lose a top pick in June’s amateur draft, and a team that offers arbitration and loses one of those players would get two extra selections.

Pujols (St. Louis), Fielder (Milwaukee) and Reyes (Mets) received offers, along with Boston designated hitter David Ortiz, Texas left-hander C.J. Wilson and Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins. They have until Nov. 30 to accept.

The Phillies declined to offer arbitration to right-hander Roy Oswalt, the only Type A player turned down.

Reliever Jonathan Papelbon, the eighth Type A player, already has left Boston to sign a $50 million, four-year deal with the Phillies. The Red Sox will receive draft-pick compensation for losing Papelbon.

San Diego offered arbitration to closer Heath Bell, who had been a Type A player but was reclassified under Tuesday’s labor deal. If he signs elsewhere, the Padres will gain two draft picks, but Bell’s new club won’t lose any. Also in that category are relievers Ryan Madson (Philadelphia) and Francisco Rodriguez (Milwaukee), outfielders Michael Cuddyer (Minnesota) and Josh Willingham (Oakland), and second baseman Kelly Johnson (Toronto).

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