MLB Free Agents 2012: 5 Teams That Should Be Vying for Prince Fielder

Prince Fielder is, without a doubt, the biggest free agent still on the market.

The bruising first baseman who has spent his career in Milwaukee to this point will be providing his big bat and ability to crush the ball to what will likely be a new team in the 2012 MLB season. 

Question is, where will he land?

Texas Rangers

After the conclusion of the 2011 MLB season and yet another appearance in the World Series, the Texas Rangers were once again ready to head towards a 2012 season filled with a lot of promise and hope.

Although they will still challenge for an AL West title in 2012, the Angels are likely the division favorite after making huge moves in the offseason, highlighted by the signing of Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson.

If the Angels had not made these acquisitions, the Rangers would be sitting in the driver's seat comfortably looking at an offseason where they could possibly save some money for even bigger additions in the future. 

However, if the Rangers do want to contend and be able to compete with the Angels' new power, they must make a big signing and the best option for this need is Prince Fielder.

We all know what Prince brings to the table—he is a power hitter who is a threat to hit a home run every time that he comes to the plate and will be a valuable addition to any team he signs with.

Playing in Arlington, Texas will also likely increase his home run numbers, especially to right field where he would absolutely crush the ball. 

The Rangers need a big bat, and after making two straight World Series appearances, they have the money and the room to make Fielder their next franchise superstar.

Seattle Mariners

Prince Fielder and the Mariners would be good for each other more in the future than they would be in the present. This, however, does not mean that they should not try to sign Fielder at all.

The Mariners, after a few seasons at the bottom of the league due to poor managing and terrible moves in the free-agent market, are building towards the future just about every day and they have some of the best potential in MLB with young stars waiting to break through in the AL West.

Fielder is a good option for the Mariners both in the present and the future, with greater implications for the future of the Mariners organization.

The Mariners have had one of the worst offenses in recent history and need a bat like Fielder to bolster their offense to bring it up to par with the rest of baseball.

Signing Fielder gives the Mariners both consistent power and the option for future years with a constant and potent offense where they will likely remain in contention in the AL West with all of the weapons around Fielder.

With players like Ichiro and Dustin Ackley to lead the top of the order, Fielder will have many opportunities to drive in runs and give the Mariners an upper hand on the offensive side of the ball. 

Chicago Cubs

With the likely departure of Aramis Ramirez, the Cubs will be looking to add another big bat to help generate some power for their offense, and Prince Fielder would once again be a good fit for this need.

Tampa Bay Rays

Though the Rays are essentially loaded at every position, one key element that they need to become a great team is a solid first baseman/designated hitter. 

Impressively making the playoffs three of the past four years in the toughest division in baseball, the Rays will need a bat that provides both power and consistency to carry them into the future, and Prince Fielder can fill this need for a young and talented Tampa Bay team.

Signing Fielder to a multi-year contract will ensure success throughout the next few years for an organization that used to be the laughingstock of Major League Baseball. 

San Francisco Giants

Aubrey Huff, the current Giants first baseman is getting old.

Though he still does provide some consistency and pop to the plate, he has generally faded and is looking to be replaced in the near future.

Brandon Belt, the supposed heir apparent at first base for the Giants, will still have some years to develop into a quality and consistent hitter and this time frame would be the perfect opportunity for Prince Fielder to designate his services for the coming years. 

Signing Fielder will give the Giants some room to work with Belt, incorporating him into the lineup at perhaps what will be a much smoother pace, and will also let them part ways with Aubrey Huff before he hits rock bottom.