Rangers Get Fielder For Kinsler

{fshare id=4543}

In the first major trade of the baseball offseason, the Texas Rangers agreed to acquire first baseman Prince Fielder in a deal that would send second baseman Ian Kinsler to the Detroit Tigers.

Multiple media outlets reported the trade, but CBSSports.com first broke the story.

The deal cannot be finalized without Fielder’s approval, as he has a limited no-trade clause in his contract that includes a provision barring a deal to Texas. He is expected to give his consent, according to multiple reports.

Detroit reportedly will send $30 million in cash to the Rangers as part of the deal.

Fielder, 29, still has seven years and $168 million remaining on the nine-year, $214 million contract he signed with Detroit in January 2012.

Over his two years with the Tigers, Fielder hit .295 with a .387 on-base percentage, a .491 slugging percentage and averages of 27.5 homers and 107 RBIs. He played 162 games each year, was an All-Star both seasons and earned a Silver Slugger award in 2012.

Fielder began his career with the Milwaukee Brewers in

2005. From 2006-11 with the Brewers, he averaged 38 homers and 107.7 RBIs per year, earning three All-Star appearances.

The Rangers were looking for an offensive upgrade at first base after Mitch Moreland endured a disappointing season.

Kinsler, 31, has four years and $57 million remaining on his contract, plus a $10 million club option or a $5 million buyout for 2018. He signed a five-year, $75 million extension with Texas in April 2012.

A three-time All-Star, Kinsler hit .277 with a .344 on-base percentage, a .413 slugging percentage, 13 homers and 72 RBIs in 136 games this year. He would take over at second base for Detroit, replacing free agent Omar Infante.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares