MLB Trade Rumors: The 10 Most Likely Destinations for Prince Fielder
All-Star slugger Prince Fielder is heading into the final year of his current contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, which leads many to think that they will trade him away.
Milwaukee hasn't been clear yet on whether they are willing to trade Fielder, but if the right deal comes calling, there is little reason to think that they wouldn't go ahead and pull the trigger on their star player.
Although Prince is coming off a down year in '10, he still holds a lot of value in the trade market and at 26, is just entering the prime of his career. The former first-round pick would certainly be a highly sought-after player, and many teams could use his services at first base.
I will also add that before you go into the actual slideshow, it is important to note that any of the following teams would have to take on the last year of his contract, which would be around $10 million or higher for 2011.
10. Los Angeles Dodgers
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The Dodgers could definitely use a power upgrade at first base, as their incumbent at that position, James Loney, only hit 10 home runs last season.
In comparison, Prince Fielder hit 22 more in what many considered a down season for him.
As for defense, Loney is a very solid defender with a career .994 fielding percentage and good range around the bag. Fielder is about the same, with a career .992 percentage, and is getting better every year with more learning at this position.
Los Angeles also has a solid farm system of players that could be used in a package for the budding star Fielder, which makes this possibility even better.
9. Baltimore Orioles
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Like many other teams on this list, the Orioles are in desperate need for a change at first base.
Last season, they relied on the efforts of 33-year old journeyman Ty Wigginton and backup Garrett Atkins. Wigginton only hit .249 in 98 games at first base and Atkins hit .214 in a 40-game effort in a backup role.
Although Baltimore hasn't been known to make many blockbuster trades over the last decade, adding Fielder would strengthen a core of young offensive talent that already includes catcher Matt Wieters and center fielder Adam Jones.
8. Oakland Athletics
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The Oakland A's need a left-handed bat with some pop in their lineup and there aren't many hitters that can provide that more than Prince Fielder.
A's GM Billy Beane has a strong history of being very aggressive during the offseason and has pulled off many trades for high-caliber players such as Jermaine Dye and Dan Haren, among others.
A trade for Fielder would arguably be his biggest acquisition to date and one that he might be looking into in the near future.
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7. Tampa Bay Rays
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All-Star first basemen Carlos Pena is a free agent this offseason, and there has to be a feeling of uncertainty regarding the Rays' intentions to re-sign him for the '11 season.
Pena hit a career low .196 last season and hit just 28 homers, which was his lowest season total since 2006, when he was injured most of the season.
This could be a win-win situation for Fielder and the Rays, as Fielder could have a fresh start with a team that is on the rise, and the Rays could have another hitter for teams to key around in the middle of their lineup.
6. Arizona Diamondbacks
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With the D-Backs opting to decline their '11 option on their starting first-bagger from last season, Adam LaRoche, they might be looking to make a deal for a guy like Fielder soon.
Arizona, like Tampa, has a plethora of young talent on their roster and could use more of an impact player at first base—someone like Prince.
They could also use his patience, as he was first in the majors last year with a whopping 114 walks.
5. Washington Nationals
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With the Nationals not re-signing Adam Dunn this offseason, it frees them up at first base for 2011.
Prince Fielder would be an immediate upgrade over anyone they have on their current roster and could really benefit first-round pick Bryce Harper once he makes it to the big leagues in a few years.
Add Adam Zimmerman to that lineup and this could be a dangerous bunch to face if they can swipe Fielder out of Milwaukee this offseason.
4. Toronto Blue Jays
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Toronto used veteran Lyle Overbay to hold down the fort at first base for the club in '10, and after he hit a measly .243 in 154 games, they will be looking for his replacement this offseason.
The Jays, like many other teams in this league, could really use a player like Mr. Fielder, and they have some young pitching talent they could offer in return.
After all, a big change of scenery such as going north of the border could help Fielder rebound from one of his weakest years as a major-leaguer.
3. Atlanta Braves
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The Atlanta Braves are unlikely to resign Derrek Lee or Troy Glaus this offseason, and acquiring Fielder in a trade would be beneficial for the right price.
Atlanta's farm system appears to be loaded with talent of late, and they could easily swap two to three solid prospects for Fielder and be on their way.
The question is whether the Braves will be willing to give up that much potential for just one player.
2. New York Yankees
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Let's face it, the Yankees are always a solid option for picking up any high-profile player, and they have shown that they can make trades to get them as well, rather than just giving them a hefty contract.
The only issue with Fielder playing in New York would be that he would most likely be their full-time DH as Gold Glove winner Mark Teixeira already has first base manned for many years in the future, it seems.
Fielder could also be the final offensive piece to another Yankees world-title quest, giving them one of their best offenses in recent memory.
1. Milwaukee Brewers
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If the Brewers decide to hold on to the home-grown Fielder, then this would obviously end any suspense that he might be traded this offseason.
This could be a good possibility as Milwaukee knows that without having Prince going forward, it will be much more difficult to sniff the playoffs again, and it will put a big hole in the middle of their batting order.
It's all in the hands of Brewers GM Doug Melvin, and the future location of Prince Fielder might or might not be a surprise depending on what he decides to do with him. Stay tuned.
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