Done Deal: Tigers Give Fielder, Get Kinsler
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Prince Fielder is leaving the Detroit Tigers.
According to CBS Sports Baseball Insider Jon Heyman, who tweeted about it Wednesday night, the Texas Rangers and Tigers have agreed on a blockbuster trade to send Prince Fielder to Texas for Ian Kinsler.
It's reportedly a done deal, pending a physical.
The Tigers in 2012 signed the 29-year-old first baseman for $214 million over nine years, but rumors began swirling that the team might let him go after he failed to perform this past post-season.
Fans at Comerica Park booed Fielder during the American League Championship Series, during which he put up a batting average of just .182. For the entire postseason, Fielder hit .225 with no home runs and RBIs. Many fans called for Fielder to be traded, and it looks like they have gotten their wish.
There could be another player involved in the trade as potential well, but that hasn't been confirmed.
Kinsler, a three-time All-Star at second base, had been with the Rangers for eight seasons. His lifetime batting average is .273, and his all-time on-base percentage is .349. He batted in 70 runs or more in five of his eight seasons. He hit 30 or more homers in 2009 and 2011 and has sent 13 or more over the fence in seven seasons.
The Tigers needed a second baseman because Omar Infante became a free agent, and Detroit did not make him a qualifying offer. The departure of Fielder also opens up first base for superstar Miguel Cabrera, who originally played first but moved over to third base to make room for Fielder when the slugger joined Detroit in 2012.
Prince Fielder: It's Not Really Tough For Me, It's Over [VIDEO]
