Prince Fielder Rumors: Slugger Would Be Foolish to Take 1-Year Deal from Tigers

Prince Fielder's search for a new home continues, leading to some speculation the Milwaukee Brewers free agent might be willing to take a one-year deal to reestablish his value. That would be a terrible move by Fielder, who can't afford to take such a major risk after a monster season at the plate.

Buster Olney of ESPN provides the details of a possible link to the Detroit Tigers:

Fielder had one of the best seasons of his seven-year career in 2011. He hit 38 home runs while compiling a career-best .415 on-base percentage. His contributions helped the Brewers make a surprising playoff run.

After spending the last couple years building his value, there's no way he can risk a one-year contract. Fielder's value may never be higher than it currently stands, which is a testament to his consistency, and he's just entering his prime.

The amount of pressure that would weigh on his shoulders would be unimaginable for one season. At least with Milwaukee he was able to build his reputation over a number of years. With the Tigers, it would be boom or bust. Even odds isn't exactly what he's looking for.

Another factor that would be working against him is Comerica Park. Playing 81 games in one of the league's most spacious stadiums, including a 420-foot center field wall, isn't prime real estate for somebody hoping to put up impressive home run totals.

There are just too many negatives for Fielder to consider changing course right now. Long-term offers aren't coming in as quickly as he probably hoped with Albert Pujols stealing his market thunder, but Opening Day is still more than two months away. He shouldn't be in a hurry.

Rushed decisions usually turn out to bad poor ones. In the case of Fielder, he's waited this long for the right offer to come along—what's a couple more weeks if that means he gets the commitment he's been hoping for?

One thing all free agents have to do is keep their options open. That said, Fielder shouldn't consider a one-year deal anything more than a last-ditch, last-second option heading into 2012.

Fielder has earned a better deal and will get it before Opening Day.