Rangers, Tigers discussing Prince Fielder-Ian Kinsler swap

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers are discussing a possible swap of first baseman Prince Fielder and second baseman Ian Kinsler.

Heyman did not elaborate beyond saying a person involved in the talks called it a “possibility.”

The Tigers look like they are in the market for an infielder as they do not appear to be interested in keeping Jhonny Peralta, who was forced to serve a 50-game suspension for his role in the Biogenesis case. The Tigers could potentially use Kinsler as a second baseman and have Jose Iglesias, who they acquired from the world champion Boston Red Sox just before the trade deadline, as their full time shortstop.

It would also allowed the Tigers to moved Miguel Cabrera from third base to first.

Kinsler, who hit .277, had an on-base percentage of .344 and slugged .413 with 13 home runs, 72 RBI and stole 15 bases, is owed $62 million over the next four years.

The Rangers already have Elvis Andrus locked into a long term deal and are interested in finding a role for 20-year old infielder Jurickson Profar. Trading Kinsler could open a spot for Profar.

Fielder hit .279, had an on-base percentage of .362 and slugged .457 with 25 home runs and 107 RBI last season. His contract doesn’t expire until 2020 and he makes $24 million per year.