Prince Fielder for Ian Kinsler deal done
Oct 12, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder (28) singles during the first inning in game one of the American League Championship Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
It is being reported by Jon Heyman that the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers have agreed on a blockbuster deal to bring Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Ian Kinsler, pending a physical.
The trade may include another player, but the reports are early.
Updated: This was a one for one trade. Jeff Passan reported that the Tigers will be including $30 million to the Rangers in the deal. This ends up being only $4 more million than Ian Kinsler.
Now that it appears Kinsler is gone, that will give Jurickson Profar the chance to move to second base and bring in the hitting power that the Texas Rangers lacked last year.
Kinsler, in 2012 received a $75 million 5 year extension that had him signed with the Rangers until 2017, option for 2018.
This clearly helps a few issues with the Rangers, such as the Profar issue. Also, it helps fill the offensive hole at firse base. Mitch Moreland had a poor year with the bat, and Prince Fielder will be able to cover both. He plays first base well, and can smash the ball. Rangers fans will just need to be careful if they sit along the wall, they might have their nachos stolen or shades. If you don’t get that, look it up, Prince Fielder likes to interact with the fans.
This is the kind of trade everyone has been hoping Jon Daniels would do for the Texas Rangers. It is not a surprise to see Ian Kinsler go, but it is a surprise to see them pick up Prince Fielder.
Prince Fielder batted .279/.362/.457/.819 with 25 home runs compared to Ian Kinsler who batted .277/.344/.413/.757 with 13 home runs.