On Wednesday evening, CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers were discussing a possible blockbuster swap of first baseman Prince Fielder and second baseman Ian Kinsler.
According to Heyman, the deal has now been completed.
"There could be another player involved in the trade as potential as well, but that hasn’t been confirmed. There may also be money involved as Fielder’s $214 million contract is much larger.Fielder has a limited no-trade clause that includes the Rangers. But it is believed he is willing to accept the deal.Kinsler’s contract details weren’t immediately available.Physicals would likely be needed.Jon Daniels, Dave Dombrowski and Scott Boras couldn’t imediately be reached."
The deal will allow the Tigers to potentially make Jose Iglesias a full-time player and move Miguel Cabrera from third base to first.
The Rangers now have the power hitter they have lacked and can potentially find a role for 20-year old phenom Jurickson Profar with Kinsler out of the lineup.
Kinsler hit .277, had an on-base percentage of .344 and slugged .413 with 13 home runs, 72 RBI and stole 15 bases last season. He is owed $62 million over the next four years and that number could increase to $69 million.
Fielder, who hit .279, had an on-base percentage of .362 and slugged .457 with 25 home runs and 107 RBI last season, is owed $24 million per year through 2020.