MLB Trade Rumors: Will Prince Fielder Return to the Brewers?

Fielder is reportedly looking for a 7-8 year deal, and some think the only way he will get that is if he signs with an American League team. Which teams? I think the Blue Jays and Rangers would have to be at the top of the list for Fielder, but may not want to invest so much on Fielder since both teams need starting pitching help this offseason.

I could see the Rangers jumping into the mix for Fielder as they could address their pitching needs via a trade, as they are a team built to win now, and have the prospects to deal in any package for a starting pitcher. It would make sense for Rangers GM Jon Daniels to get new Cubs GM Theo Epstein on the phone to discuss a deal for starter Matt Garza. Garza has had success in the American League East already and the Rangers will need a starter to replace C.J. Wilson in their rotation.

I wrote here a few weeks ago that the Dodgers could get involved in talks for Fielder, but recent quotes by Dodgers GM Ned Colletti indicate that won't be a possibility this offseason. He was quoted last week saying that the Dodgers would not be able to sign Fielder this offseason:

Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said Tuesday that it is unlikely his club will be able to pursue a big-name free-agent power hitter this winter, effectively ending all speculation the Dodgers will be in the hunt for slugging first baseman Prince Fielder.

 

"As of today, unless something changes, I think it looks less realistic,'' Colletti said. "I think we have to figure out other ways to produce runs.''

 

Then, just a few days ago, Colletti was interviewed on SiriusXM Radio's MLB Channel, and stated that James Loney would be his first baseman in 2012, and added that he could hit 20-25 home runs. They have been saying that for several years now, and I am not buying it.

This Dodgers fan is hoping that Colletti is pulling a Ruben Amaro Jr. and will switch gears and sign Fielder. The "unless something changes" quote in the excerpt above leaves "some" hope for Dodgers fans, as all they will need is some positive news around the sale of the team to make that change happen.

Time will tell, but as Bowden speculates above, the Brewers might be in the driver's seat right now in the market for Fielder, but with the Winter Meetings coming next Sunday, the rumor mill will be in full gear leading up to the start of those meetings.