Prince Fielder Rumors: Fielder, Boras not Interested in Short-Term Deal
By Editorial Staff
With the market being slow to develop for free agent slugger Prince Fielder, some around baseball wondered if the first baseman would have to settle for a short-term, high annual salary deal. This is exactly the sentiment that was expressed to Peter Gammons of MLB Network by unnamed general managers yesterday. However, Fielder’s agent Scott Boras quickly came out and denied these reports, calling them “delusional”.
Yesterday evening, Gammons tweeted that several of baseball’s general managers believe that Boras could have Fielder sign a three-year deal this winter at $26 million per year. In doing so, Boras would get Fielder a higher annual salary than what Albert Pujols recently signed for. The super agent would then be able to trot Fielder back onto the free agent market at the age of 30, when he would still be young enough to sign another multi-year contract.
Boras quickly responded to these reports, telling Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com that the statements were “inaccurate”.
But Boras didn’t stop there.
Fielder’s agent also noted that talk of a three-year contract for Prince is “delusional” and stated that Gammons or other GM’s “have gotten into their New Year’s Eve stash just a little bit early this year”.
Boras attributed the comments to “baseball people” just being bored.
Even with a lack of a defined market for Fielder, you’d have to figure the hefty first baseman will still be able to sign a long-term deal this winter. He may not be able to get 10 years, but Fielder and Boras shouldn’t have to settle for three. Back in November, Boras told reporters that the bidding for Fielder would start at seven years.
So far this offseason, the Cubs, Rangers, Mariners, Orioles, Nationals, Blue Jays and Dodgers have all been tied to Fielder. Levine hears that there “are still upwards of six teams” interested in Fielder.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.