Last season, it was Adrian Gonzalez and Cliff Lee. This year, trade deadline talks will most likely center around the biggest hitter in the game, Prince Fielder.
We all know that being talked about at the deadline is not a guarantee that you will be shipped out; just look at Adrian Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was discussed the entire month before the deadline in a potential deal with the Red Sox. The Padres were still in contention, though, and they felt that the loss of Gonzalez would cripple their playoff chances.
Here we are now, several months later, and Gonzalez is finally in a Red Sox uniform. It took some time, and a few top prospects, but the persistence of the Red Sox paid off.
Prince Fielder will be in a similar situation this season.
Fielder's current contract is set to expire after the 2011 season, and he's represented by Scott Boras. We can be sure that if a trade is made involving Fielder, then his new team will have to offer up a hefty extension—possibly in the Mark Teixeira range.
One of the most consistent boppers in the league since his first full season in 2005, Prince Fielder would likely command a high price tag for any team attempting to acquire him. Some teams that will likely be interested include the Orioles, Rangers, Angels, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants and possibly the Mets.
Each of the aforementioned teams either has a glaring hole at first base or has a player that is on his way out. Each team has the potential to sign him to a big contract after the season, but not all of them may be able to build a large enough package to satisfy the Brewers.
Fielder has hit 192 home runs since 2005, including a 50-home-run season in 2007. He has 536 RBI's in his career, with his career high of 141 coming in 2009. He has a respectable triple slash line of .279/.385/.535 in his career and has even stolen 15 bases. Obviously not blinding speed, but the 285-pounder (at least that's what he's listed as) can at least move a little bit.
The Brewers are aware of his consistent production, and they will look to capitalize on any deal involving Fielder. They will likely ask for a package similar to the one the Padres received for Gonzalez, and maybe even a little more, as Fielder is still a younger talent.
At the deadline this year, I see the Cubs and Giants making the biggest push for him. The Cubs currently have Carlos Pena on a one-year contract and if Fielder is acquired, the Cubs would easily be able to dump him elsewhere. The Brewers will try and pry shortstop Starlin Castro away, but the Cubs won't balk at that offer. An offer with outfielder Brett Jackson and third basemen Josh Vitters is more plausible.
The Giants have Aubrey Huff at first, but Huff is versatile enough to slot into either corner outfield slot or even third base if Nate Schiertholtz, Pat Burrell or Pablo Sandoval fail to produce. Any deal with the defending champs will likely include lefty Madison Bumgarner, and the Giants may prefer to hold on to their young star and pursue Fielder during free agency.
With all that being said, Fielder may not even be on the move. The Brewers look to be a contender this season, and they may choose to hold on to Fielder, as he is going to be an integral part of the team. Midseason, Fielder could even decide to negotiate a long-term deal with Milwaukee, who will still be players for his services after the 2011 season.
Although the outcome is unpredictable, we can be certain that Prince Fielder will be stealing headlines come this year's trade deadline.
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