The Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers have agreed to a blockbuster trade involving Prince Fielder and Ian Kinsler, per a report.
CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman says the deal has been agreed to pending physicals and approval from Fielder, who has a limited no-trade clause.
Fielder had a down season with the Detroit Tigers last year, and it was believed he was distracted by his impending divorce. Fielder signed a 9-year, $214 million deal with the Tigers prior to the 2012 season and is owed $168 for the next seven years. He has a limited no-trade clause, but it’s believed he would accept the trade.
The Rangers have made it known that they were aggressively pursuing a big bat this offseason, and it looks like they have landed one. Trading Kinsler will also open up room in the infield for Jurickson Profar. Between Kinsler, Profar and Elvis Andrus, the Rangers had a surplus of middle infielders. Kinsler is guaranteed $62 million over the next five seasons (he has a $10 million option for 2017 that includes a $5 million buyout).
Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports says the Tigers will be paying the Rangers $30 million of the $168 Fielder is owed.
Fielder did not perform well in the playoffs and didn’t seem exceptionally bothered by the team losing to the Red Sox in the ALCS. The Tigers could want to free up money for Max Scherzer, who will be a free agent after next season.
