Prince Fielder Rumors: Scott Boras Talks Contract
By Editorial Staff
Interviews came out yesterday in which super-agent Scott Boras discussed two of his well-known clients that remain on the free agent market. Starting pitcher Edwin Jackson was one player Boras talked about; the other was Prince Fielder. Boras explained to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports why Fielder, considered one of the top FA’s entering the offseason, remains unsigned. Boras told of the many inner-workings of a deal involving Fielder, while mentioning how his Prince has the ability to change any MLB franchise.
Boras said that his most “time-consuming” activity involving the Fielder negotiations has been educating team owners. This lesson goes beyond what Fielder can do at the plate.
In his discussion with Rosenthal, Boras pointed out the increase in attendance Fielder ‘brought’ the Brewers. Beyond filling the seats, Boras said that Fielder’s presence helped earn Milwaukee a new TV contract. Overall, Boras asked Rosenthal to look at “where the franchise was” before Fielder and “where it is now”.
According to Boras, Fielder also significantly impacts the players surrounding him. Boras noted that having a player like Prince Fielder on your roster helps you retain others. For the Brewers, Boras believed Fielder helped retain players such as Rickie Weeks, Corey Hart and Yovani Gallardo.
But, Boras said a player such as Fielder not only helps teams keep their home-grown talent, but also attract new talent to their franchise. According to Boras, players will say “oh yeah, I want to play with” a guy like Fielder.
In case you were wondering, Fielder’s impact wouldn’t stop there.
Boras said that “Prince means a lot to the game” of baseball, adding that Fielder is “a great leader”. To Boras, Fielder is “an ambassador” in the locker room while he becomes “uncaged” in the batter’s box. This is a requirement for a franchise player, noted Boras; a player must be able to control their emotions.
Boras told Rosenthal that Fielder has personally met with several MLB owners. Boras and Fielder are reportedly looking for something close to the 10-year, $254 million the Angels handed Albert Pujols earlier this offseason. So far, the Mariners, Cubs, Nationals, Orioles, Rangers, Blue Jays and Marlins have all been linked to Fielder.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.