Yesterday we found out that, along with the Washington Nationals, the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers were still in the mix for free agent slugger Prince Fielder. Today’s rumors send that same message regarding the Nationals, while a source very familiar with the Cubs told reporters that Fielder-to-Chicago is “just not going to happen”. It’s been confirmed that the Rangers met with Fielder Friday, though their level of interest in Prince remains murky.
Pete Kerzel of MASNSports.com is reporting that the Nationals are again “making a strong pitch” to sign Fielder. Kerzel noted that talks have been “on-again, off-again” as the Nationals are reluctant to match the 10-year offer Fielder and his agent Scott Boras are seeking this winter. It’s been reported that the Nationals would be more interested in signing Fielder to a six- or seven-year deal, and that they are willing to offer the first baseman a no-trade clause.
Though many still consider the Nationals to be the favorites to ultimately sign Fielder, Kerzel believes the Rangers and Marlins are Washington’s “biggest competition” for Prince.
While the Marlins seem to have their sights focused on soon-to-be free agent Yoennis Cespedes, the Rangers did meet with Fielder Friday. Some now say the Rangers could potentially sign both Fielder and Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish, but the club says the meetings were simply “preliminary” and represent a “feeling-out process”.
While the Rangers, Marlins and Nationals all still appear to be in the Fielder sweepstakes, Cubs manager Dale Sveum told Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times that a Prince signing is “just not going to happen” for his club. Yesterday it was reported that the Cubs could still add Fielder even though they already acquired young first baseman Anthony Rizzo, but it seems more likely that they will ultimately not be in on Prince this winter.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.