MLB Free Agent Rumors: Odds That Every Team Lands Prince Fielder

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman and free agent-to-be Prince Fielder is making waves this season—both on and off the field.

Thus far, Fielder has led his Brewers to a 10.5 game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the race for the National League Central division title, and their magic number is now 18. With their incredibly hot month of August (21-4 record), the Brewers threaten to have the division title wrapped up by mid-September at the latest.

Fielder has certainly done his part in the Brewers’ resurgence. Hitting .308 with five home runs and 26 runs batted in during the month thus far, Fielder now leads the National League in RBI (102) along with 29 home runs and a .298 average.

While the Brewers are preparing for a postseason run, they are also preparing for the possible loss of Fielder once the season ends. Fielder, who turned down a five-year, $100 million contract offer from the Brewers last season, will be one of the most highly sought-after free agents in recent memory, along with fellow first baseman Albert Pujols.

So, which teams will most likely be in the hunt for the services of Fielder? With the exception of maybe one or two teams, just about every team would love the chance to vie for his services. However, with a deal that could approach or even surpass the $250 million range, it would leave a large chunk of teams in the lurch.

Bleacher Report will examine which MLB teams have the best chance of landing Fielder during the free agency period, and will attempt to attach a value to their chances.

Arizona Diamondbacks

At the beginning of the season, most experts would have agreed that the Arizona Diamondbacks would not be a draw for Prince Fielder, or that the D-Backs would even be in the hunt for his services.

However, after a surprising season that sees the Diamondbacks now leading the San Francisco Giants by three games in the National League West, they have become a team that could be a desirable location for free agents.

However, the Diamondbacks may be out of range in terms of the money it will take to sign Fielder, and despite their strong showing this season, attendance is still lagging, as the D-Backs rank 14th in the NL in attendance.

Chances of signing Fielder: Two percent

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves always seem to be in the mix in terms of free agent signings, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that the Braves have been competitive just about every season since 1991.

However, with the strong showing by rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman, the Braves would appear to be set at that position for many years to come.

Unless of course, a blockbuster trade were to happen.

Chances of signing Fielder: Three percent

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles spent a fair amount of money during the offseason to bring in some offense (Derrek Lee, Vladimir Guerrero), and the result was that they are essentially in the same position they’ve been in for the past 13 seasons—at or near the bottom of the AL East standings.

The likelihood of Prince Fielder signing with the Orioles is the title of a 1987 movie—Less Than Zero.

Chances of signing Fielder: Zero percent

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are one of the few teams in baseball that could pony up the dollars necessary to sign first baseman Prince Fielder without a problem at all. However, they already have a first baseman who is pretty darn good.

Adrian Gonzalez is clearly one of the favorites in the AL MVP race, and with his recent contract he will continue to lead the Red Sox offense for years to come.

Chances of signing Fielder: Zero percent

Chicago Cubs

Aside from his own current team, the Chicago Cubs could very well be the next destination in the career of Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder.

With current first baseman Carlos Pena signed to just a one-year deal, the Cubs were clearly looking to align themselves accordingly, with the thought of making a long-term offer to either Fielder or free agent-to-be Albert Pujols.

 The Cubs’ new general manager, whoever that may be, will be tasked with rebuilding and restoring the offense, and prying Fielder away from the Brewers would be a terrific start.

Chances of signing Fielder: 15 percent

Chicago White Sox

Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams made the decision to increase payroll by over $20 million over the winter (Adam Dunn, Jesse Crain, Paul Konerko, AJ Pierzynski). And while Konerko has earned his pay raise and Crain has performed admirably out of the bullpen, Dunn and center fielder Alex Rios, who signed a lucrative deal in 2010, have performed far below expectations.

It would seem unlikely that Williams would go after Prince Fielder given the fact that he was already uneasy with the team’s higher payroll, and the biggest acquisition, Dunn, has been a complete bust.

Chances of signing Fielder: Three percent

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds were a major disappointment this season, considering their run to the NL Central title last season.

They too have a first baseman who’s pretty special. Joey Votto, the reigning NL MVP, is signed through the 2013 season, so it’s unlikely the Reds would make a run at Fielder.

Chances of signing Fielder: One percent

Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians, like the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been one of the surprises of the 2011 season. Although they have slipped to 6.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central race, it’s still been a remarkable season for a team who was definitely not considered to be a contender at the start of the 2011 season.

However, it’s probably unlikely that the Tribe would be considered a destination for first baseman Prince Fielder. The Indians would have a difficult task in offering up enough for Fielder to consider, and they will likely continue to try building from within. With the success of Lonnie Chisenhall, Jason Kipnis and Alex White, the Indians have done very well in developing home-grown talent.

Chances of signing Fielder: Three percent

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are clearly disappointed with how their season has turned out thus far, especially with the offense they assembled at the beginning of the season. With shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and first baseball Todd Helton leading the way, the Rockies were expected to contend for the NL West title.

However, it didn’t turn out that way. While Helton is still performing admirably at the age of 38 (.308, 14 HR, 67 RBI), the Rockies would jump on the opportunity to acquire Prince Fielder.

Chances of signing Fielder: Three percent

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers appear to be well on the way to winning the American League Central, currently holding a 6.5 game lead over the Cleveland Indians with less than 30 games to play. Barring an unforeseen circumstance (read 2009 collapse), the Tigers will be preparing for postseason play.

The Tigers have been led once again offensively by first baseman Miguel Cabrera, and despite his off-field issues during preseason, Cabrera will likely continue as the Tigers' first baseman.

Again, a blockbuster deal could certainly happen, so very few teams would actually have a zero percent chance of landing Prince Fielder.

Chances of signing Prince Fielder: Two percent

Florida Marlins

The Florida Marlins would love to open their new stadium next season with a marquee player leading the way. While starting pitcher Josh Johnson and shortstop Hanley Ramirez are the current leading players, they would LOVE nothing better than to open next season as the Miami Marlins with Prince Fielder manning first base and batting third or fourth in the lineup.

But, the chances of that happening are slim to none. The Marlins will be in no position to offer Fielder the kind of money that the market will bear for his services.

Chances of signing Fielder: Zero percent

Houston Astros

Assuming that MLB commissioner Bud Selig and the rest of the MLB owners will approve the transfer of ownership of the Houston Astros from Drayton McLane to Jim Crane, Crane will be looking to put his stamp on his new team.

However, considering that there is a directive to whittle the Astros’ payroll down to $60 million, the chances of Prince Fielder signing with the Houston Astros are also slim to none.

Chances of signing Fielder: Two percent

Kansas City Royals

Despite the fact that the Kansas City Royals are 24 games under .500, they have clearly made a commitment to continue developing their home-grown talent. There is definitely some bright talent in their system, with the development of first baseman Eric Hosmer and third baseman Mike Moustakas.

There really doesn’t appear to be any scenario in which Prince Fielder would consider signing with the Royals.

Chances of signing Fielder: One percent

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The Los Angeles Angels started the season hoping that slugging first baseman Kendrys Morales would be fully healthy and able to provide the type of production that he provided in 2009 (.306, 34 HR, 108 RBI). What they ended up with was Morales on the DL all season, and rookie Mark Trumbo (23 HR, 71 RBI) leading the way for the offensively challenged Angels.

The Angels could pony up the money for Fielder, but they would have to make some decisions regarding their current roster (Bobby Abreu, Torii Hunter) before acquiring Fielder.

Chances of signing Fielder: Five percent

Los Angeles Dodgers

Ordinarily, the Los Angeles Dodgers would be an organization with the resources to sign Prince Fielder to a lucrative long-term deal. However, with the team currently mired in bankruptcy proceedings and the uncertainty of future ownership, those days are in the not-so-distant past.

While the Dodgers could certainly use Fielder, they simply won’t be able to afford the asking price.

Chances of signing Fielder: Zero percent

Milwaukee Brewers

During the past year, the Milwaukee Brewers have made long-term commitments to several of its core players, including Ryan Braun, Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart. They will also likely attempt to sign starting pitchers Zack Greinke and Shawn Marcum to long-term deals as well.

So why not Prince Fielder? Well, the Brewers did make an offer last year to Fielder (five years, $100 million), however Fielder turned it down. So what will it take for the Brewers to sign Fielder at this point? Fielder and his agent, Scott Boras, will likely see what the market will bear for his services, and while Milwaukee will be in the mix, Fielder will likely go with the best deal.

Chances of signing Fielder: 15 percent

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins may be one of the most disappointing teams of the 2011 season. Now 21 games under .500, the Twins will look to improve and get their team totally healthy.

First baseman Justin Morneau once again missed significant time this season, as well as catcher Joe Mauer. The Twins will have some decisions to make regarding the status of closer Joe Nathan, versatile Michael Cuddyer and several others.

It’s unlikely that GM Bill Smith would consider getting into the Prince Fielder sweepstakes.

Chances of signing Prince Fielder: Two percent

New York Mets

The New York Mets, much like the Los Angeles Dodgers, have always been a team that has had the ability and the resources to offer lucrative long-term deals to players in the past. And the Mets will have enough of a hard time trying to sign their all-world shortstop Jose Reyes.

If Ike Davis is able to return from the ankle injury that curtailed his 2011 season, he could provide more than ample offense at the first base position for the Mets in the future.

Chances of signing Fielder: One percent

New York Yankees

While the New York Yankees would certainly seem to be all set at first base with Mark Teixeira signed long-term, the Yankees have the ability to sign just about anyone at any time.

They can never be counted out of any potential free-agent signing, regardless of how set they appear to be at a particular position.

Chances of signing Fielder: Two percent

Oakland Athletics

General manager Billy Beane has in the past been able to work miracles in putting together a solid team with various discarded players (Scott Hatteberg, Mark Kotsay, Jermaine Dye), however the Athletics have rarely had the resources to sign players to lucrative long-term contracts.

With the uncertainty of the A’s stadium situation and the team’s inability to keep players for longer periods of time, it would take a near-miracle to land Prince Fielder.

Chances of signing Fielder: Zero percent

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are currently the best team in baseball, and most power rankings suggest the strongest as well. While first baseman Ryan Howard hasn’t put up the huge numbers of 2006-2009, he is still a powerful and productive hitter, and also signed through the 2016 season.

Is there still a chance that Prince Fielder could be in a Phillies uniform next season? Absolutely. The Phillies have the resources, but it’s doubtful with Howard manning the bag.

Chances of signing Fielder: One percent

Pittsburgh Pirates

Just a few weeks ago, the Pirates were in contention in the National League Central, and vying for their first winning season since 1992. Now, however, the Pirates find themselves in fourth place, and nine games under .500.

While the Pirates traded for first baseman Derrek Lee at the trade deadline, they are unlikely to sign him for next season, and they will clearly be looking for a long-term answer at first base.

However, the Pirates may not have the resources to sign Prince Fielder, as much as they would probably like to.

Chances of signing Fielder: Three percent

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres are one of the few teams in baseball who will probably have no shot at all at landing Prince Fielder in free agency.

We’ll just end this conversation right now.

Chances of signing Fielder: Zero percent

San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants are clearly in need of offense, and it has been evident throughout much of the season. Despite a pitching staff that is among the best in baseball, the Giants have been largely unable to back them up with consistent run support.

Brandon Belt has been disappointing in the chances given to him thus far, and Aubrey Huff has also been unable to repeat his production that helped the Giants win the World Series last season.

Count the Giants among the teams likely to make a serious push for Prince Fielder.

Chances of signing Prince Fielder: Nine percent

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are an absolute mess offensively. While they won’t match last year’s numbers, which led to the fewest runs being scored by any American League team since the advent of the designated hitter in 1973, they haven’t been much better this season.

The Mariners could clearly use the bat of Prince Fielder in their lineup, but don’t count on it happening.

Chances of signing Fielder: Zero percent

St. Louis Cardinals

As the St. Louis Cardinals continue sliding in the National League Central division, they too will be faced with a major decision regarding their star first baseman, Albert Pujols.

Pujols will likely command a long-term deal similar to that of Prince Fielder, if not more. If the Cardinals in fact lose out in the Pujols sweepstakes, they could certainly turn to Plan B and go after Fielder as a secondary option.

Chances of signing Fielder: Eight percent

Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays have gotten a solid season from current first baseman Casey Kotchman (.325 average, 8 HR, 41 RBI), however as good as the average is, Kotchman is not the prototypical slugging first baseman.

While the Rays have done a fabulous job over the last four seasons in establishing themselves as a contending team, they are still strapped financially.

Chances of signing Fielder: Zero percent

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers have become an offensive juggernaut over the past two seasons, with Josh Hamilton, Michael Young and Nelson Cruz leading the way, and this year Adrian Beltre and Mitch Moreland providing supplementary support as well.

With Nolan Ryan now in charge, it’s not inconceivable that the Rangers could make a run at Prince Fielder this offseason. Think of how that offense would look with Fielder in the middle.

Chances of signing Fielder: Seven percent

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays, under first-year manager John Farrell, have been inconsistent offensively, save for the performance of right fielder/third baseman Jose Bautista, who will clearly garner consideration for AL MVP.

However, the chances of Fielder signing with the Jays would appear to be slim. Fielder will no doubt factor in his new team’s chances of postseason play during his decision-making process, and the Jays may not pass muster.

Chances of signing Fielder: Two percent

Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals seem to have found a first baseman in Michael Morse who has put up solid powers, posting a .316 average with 22 HR and 73 RBI.

However, the Nationals can also use Morse in the outfield, and they could certainly be players in the Prince Fielder sweepstakes.

Chances of signing Fielder: 10 percent

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.