Detroit Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler vetoed a trade to Toronto during 2013 off-season

Sep 23, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler (5) slides home ahead of the throw to Houston Astros catcher Carlos Corporan (22) on a single by shortstop Elvis Andrus (not shown) during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /

On November 20, 2013, the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers agreed on a deal that sent All-Star 1B Prince Fielder to Texas in exchange for All-Star 2B Ian Kinsler. That fact is indisputable at this stage, but however, a report has surfaced that Detroit wasn’t necessarily the first choice for Texas in shipping Kinsler out this off-season.

Per @ShiDavidi, #Jays had deal for Ian Kinsler early in offseason blocked by his no-trade clause. #Rangers #Tigers
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 30, 2014

According to the report from Shi Davidi of SportsNet in Canada, Kinsler exercised his limited no-trade clause in order to avoid becoming a member of the Blue Jays. There are very limited details surrounding the proposed deal (i.e. compensation, etc.), but Kinsler in a Blue Jays uniform makes for a fascinating “what if?” scenario for 3 high-impact franchises.

Regardless of what you think of the massive deal (salary and otherwise) to bring Kinsler to Detroit and Fielder to Texas, it’s tough to argue that Kinsler wasn’t in high-demand this off-season. However, news of this vetoed deal does bring about a great discussion point.

Was Prince Fielder really what Texas wanted?

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