2012 MLB Free Agency: 5 Teams Most Likely to Sign Prince Fielder

Prince Fielder will both literally and figuratively be one of the biggest players on the free agent market in 2012. He is the second best first baseman who will hit free agency in 2012 and a number of teams will be after him.

Teams will go after Fielder so that they can add a major bat to the middle of their lineup. He can help transform a team from a pretender to a contender.

Milwaukee Brewers

Prince Fielder is a key piece of the Milwaukee Brewers. He has been integral to Brewers' success both this year and in the past. They would like to also have him be a part of their future.

Fielder has enjoyed his time in Milwaukee and might even be willing to give the team a hometown discount. However, Fielder likely will not sign until Albert Pujols sets the market.

St. Louis Cardinals

This one is obviously dependent on if the St. Louis Cardinals are able to go out and resign Albert Pujols after the season ends. If they are not, they will have a lot of money to spend.

The Cardinals two main targets if Pujols leaves will be Prince Fielder and Jose Reyes. However, given that the Cardinals like Rafael Furcal, the team could make a big play for Fielder.

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs will make a big push for both of the free agent first basemen from the NL Central. If the Cubs can sign Prince Fielder away from their NL Central rivals, it would be a big move.

Carlos Pena will be a free agent after this season and it seems like the Cubs have little intention of bringing him back unless they miss out on all of their other options.

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers have made a number of big splashes over the past few years and it would not be surprising if they made another one this winter.

Prince Fielder would fit in well to the Rangers' lineup. His power would give the Rangers a very intimidating 3-4-5 of Josh Hamilton, Fielder and Nelson Cruz.

Toronto Blue Jays

There is always at least one mystery team in the bidding whenever an elite free agent is one the market. In the Prince Fielder sweepstakes, it is very possible that this team could be the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays have been playing fourth fiddle in the AL East for years now and with a big splash like this could put themselves in a spot to contend. The Jays have a good young team and pairing Fielder with Jose Bautista would instantly make them much better.