Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder will be one of this winter’s most coveted free agents. The 27-year-old slugger will have plenty of options when selecting his new home, which could still turn out to be his old home.
Here are the three most likely landing spots for Fielder.
3. Milwaukee Brewers
Fielder is a perfect fit in Milwaukee alongside Ryan Braun. The two of them play with a carefree attitude that would allow the first baseman to play without the pressure of a new team expecting him to be Superman. But as with so many decisions in sports, it will come down to money.
The Brewers have said they will do everything their budget will allow to keep Fielder, and rightfully so. He has 230 home runs and 200 doubles in his career and has become one of the most feared hitters in the National League.
Since there will be so many teams competing for his services, Fielder will probably have to take a hometown discount in order to remain in Milwaukee.
2. Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles are stuck in the AL East and if they plan on competing with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, they’ll need to either start signing some elite free agents or developing more pitching prospects at a rapid rate.
Fielder’s arrival could allow Baltimore to let Mark Reynolds move to DH, which is where he belongs to maximize his value because he’s atrocious in the field. Also, it would deepen Baltimore’s lineup and lessen the pressure on players like Nolan Reimold and Matt Wieters.
One move certainly wouldn’t make the Orioles a worst-to-first candidate, of course, but it would be a step in the right direction.
1. Chicago Cubs
New president of baseball operations Theo Epstein will be looking to make a big splash in his first offseason at the helm of the Cubs, and what better way to make his presence felt than stealing a star from a division rival?
Chicago has a lot of nice pieces, but the Cubs still have some holes to fill before they are playoff contenders again. And with Carlos Pena’s likely departure, first base is one of those holes. Fielder would be the perfect fit.
Epstein will likely spend most of the winter hunting down underrated starting pitchers, but his biggest splash could come with the acquisition of Fielder.
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