The Detroit Tigers have come out of no where and swept up one of the most eligible members of the free agent market, first baseman Prince fielder. The Tigers reportedly will commit 9 years and $214 million to bringing the slugger to Detroit.
Fielder, 27, hit .299 with 38 homers, 120 RBIs and a .415 on-base percentage for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2011. In his seven-season major league career, he is .282 hitter with 230 homers, 656 RBIs and a .390 on-base percentage.
Albert Pujols signed a 10-year $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels in December. It was assumed that Fielder who is younger and just as accomplished would field about the same offer. For the entire off season it seemed as if it wasn’t going to happen and that interest in Fielder and his huge financial commitment were scaring away most suitors. His agent, Scott Boras, was always convinced that a deal was right around the corner.
After losing DH Victor Martinez for the 2012 season because of an ACL injury, the Tigers may have decided to get into the mix. They originally had little interest in Fielder.
The Tigers already have a first baseman in Miguel Cabrerra, but sources say that they will be moving him to third base. Fielder was unlikely to commit to a team where he couldn’t play first base.
Interestingly, Fielder will join the franchise with which his father, Cecil Fielder, hit 245 homers over seven seasons.
The Washington Nationals had been considered the front-runners for Fielder. The Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs also had been reported to have varying levels of interest in Fielder.
Do you think Prince Fielder is worth $214 million dollars?
