2012 MLB Free Agents: Cubs Looking to Bring Prince Fielder to Chicago

Prince Fielder, the biggest name (and biggest man) on the free-agent list is reportedly drawing the interest of the Chicago Cubs. 

Jerry Cransick of ESPN is reporting that the Cubs are officially pursuing Fielder. 

Jon Heyman of CBSSports is reporting that Fielder is looking for a contract that tops Albert Pujols' contract of 10 years, $254 million.

Fielder hit .299 with 38 home runs and 120 RBI in 2011 for the Brewers, leading them to a division championship and NLCS appearance.

Carlos Pena was the primary first baseman for the Cubs in 2011. He hit .225 with 25 home runs and 80 RBI.

The Cubs have already lost third baseman Aramis Ramirez to the Brewers. His 26 home runs were second on the team, while the 93 runs he drove in led the club.

Fielder entered the 2011-2012 offseason as the top name on the market, along with Pujols. Pujols signed with the Angels last week.

Fielder has tremendous career numbers at Wrigley Field. Playing with the Brewers, he wouldn't need to adjust to playing in the National League Central and its parks, as he's played in that division for his entire career. 

John Paul Morosi of Fox Sports is reporting that Fielder would prefer to play east of the Mississippi River, which Chicago is. 

The Cubs are certainly a big-market team with a strong fan base that's hungry for a winner. The Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908. They haven't appeared in the World Series since 1945. 

Chicago's problems a season ago would hardly be solved with one big bat. Especially with the loss of Ramirez, they will need to add other bats to drive in Starlin Castro, who hit .307 and stole 22 bases a season ago. 

Still, while Fielder would not bring the team back to relevance on his own, he would be a big-name addition to the team. His numbers would make him the team's best hitter, and would also get better pitches for those hitting around him.

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