Prince Fielder Rumors
Another day, another Prince Fielder rumor. Yesterday we learned that the Cubs were Ken Rosenthal’s favorite to land Fielder this offseason. However, as with several other favorites in the Fielder sweepstakes, the Cubs interest in the hefty slugger is unknown. Yesterday afternoon we heard reports that the Cubs are pursuing Fielder, but also that their connection with the first baseman is merely a “smokescreen”. It’s hard to keep everything straight this time of year, but let’s take a look at the latest Prince Fielder rumors.
Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reported yesterday that the Cubs “continue to be involved” in the bidding for Prince Fielder.
Friday, Cubs manager Dale Sveum told reporters that the Fielder-to-Chicago rumors were merely “media-talk”. Levine’s sources confirmed these reports, but also said that the Cubs have been talking to Fielder’s representation since the November 15th general manager’s meetings. While talks are not serious at this point, the sources say that the Cubs are continuing their pursuit of Fielder.
With Fielder’s agent Scott Boras not having the offers he would like on the table for his client, these negotiations figure to drag on. Because no team has been willing to give Fielder and Boras the 10-year deal they are seeking, contract talks may turn to a shorter agreement with a higher annual salary.
Not only would teams be more willing to extend this type of deal for Fielder, but it would also allow Boras to take his premier slugger back to market in his early 30’s for another potential mega-million dollar deal.
The Cubs and Rangers have been the teams most tied to Fielder this offseason. But, other than the Cubs, Levine mentions the Mariners and Dodgers as the other favorites to bring in Fielder.
Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch confirms reports that Fielder may “ultimately take a shorter-term deal”, but also hears the Cubs interest is merely a “smokescreen”. Strauss later tweeted that the Cardinals could look to “slow-play” Carlos Beltran, their primary free agent target, in order to see how the market for Fielder develops.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.