MLB Free Agency 2012: 5 Most Likely Destinations for Brewers' Prince Fielder

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is truly a royal member of the 2012 Major League Baseball free-agent class.

Fielder, 27, had an MVP-caliber season, and he told TBS that most likely he not return to the Brewers. That's because he will demand more money than the $15.5 million he made in 2011.

Also, perennial star snatchers—also known as the New York Yankees—re-signed pitcher C.C. Sabathia to a big contract and already have Mark Teixeira at first.

Which teams have the resources and best chance of landing the slugger?

5: St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals will be trying everything in their power to re-sign superstar first baseman Albert Pujols.

Most likely, Pujols stays put as the Cardinals have won two World Series and three NL pennants with No. 5.

But if Pujols decides to fly the coop for more money, the Cardinals might actively pursue Prince Fielder.

Fielder is a rare bat who could replace and maybe exceed Pujols' prolific numbers.

Also, the Cardinals are in the NL Central, so Fielder will be familiar with the pitchers.

4: Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs will probably not bring back Carlos Pena after the first baseman batted .225 on a $10 million contract in 2011.

Also, third baseman Aramis Ramirez's $16 million for 2012 is off the books as the slugger declared for free agency, according to ESPN.

New Chicago Cubs executive Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are looking to rebuild the Cubs, and Prince Fielder would be a good option as the Cubs lose two sluggers to free agency.

If Cubs owner Tom Ricketts OK's a big contract signing, Fielder might find himself in Cubbie Blue come springtime.

3: San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants have an extremely talented pitching staff, but the Giants are lacking a true slugger to take them on another World Series run.

The Giants took a chance on trading for right fielder Carlos Beltran at the trade deadline. However, the 34-year-old Beltran did not have impressive numbers as the Giants missed the playoffs. 

San Francisco will not re-sign him, so they will free up significant money for possibly pursuing Prince Fielder. 

Now, the Giants do have Audrey Huff at first base and locked in with $12 million for 2012. Huff has played the corner outfield spots in the past and can play over Brandon Belt in left.

Shifting Huff to the outfield would leave a spot open for Fielder at first.

2: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers came out short in the World Series the last couple years, and could be eyeing Prince Fielder to put them over the top.

Mitch Moreland currently plays first for the Rangers, and does not have impressive numbers, going just 3-for-29 in the 2011 playoffs.

Fielder could take Moreland's spot at first, giving the Rangers the most potent offense in the MLB.

The Prince will head a lineup that features Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Michael Young and Adrian Beltre.

1: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers really need some hitters to better protect center fielder Matt Kemp.

Kemp, 27, is a star player who had 39 home runs, 126 RBI while batting .324 in 2011.

He has told ESPN that he would love to have Prince Fielder as a teammate.

Besides, James Loney's contract is up and he doesn't have the pop that Fielder could bring to the Dodgers.

Signing Fielder would go a long way in keeping Kemp in Los Angeles. The move would also excite a struggling Dodgers franchise amide an ownership change and a messy lawsuit with San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow.

Bob Bajek is a writing intern at Bleacher Report. He is also a freelance reporter and can be followed at Patch.com and Twitter.