The Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers reached a deal Wednesday night that sends first baseman Prince Fielder to Texas and second baseman Ian Kinsler to Detroit.
The Rangers will get $30 million from the Tigers to help cover the difference in salaries. Fielder has seven years left on his $214 million, nine-year contract. Kinsler has four years left on his $75 million, five-year contract. Fielder becomes only the second player to be traded after signing a $200-million plus contract, the other player being Alex Rodriguez, according to CBS Sports, which first reported the trade.
Over the next seven seasons, Fielder is owed $168 million, so he will get paid $138 by the Rangers during that time. Kinsler is guaranteed $62 million during the next four seasons, which includes a $5 million buyout on his club option in 2018, ESPN Dallas reports. Of the $92 million that the Tigers are paying in the deal $62 million will go to Kinsler, while the rest goes to the Rangers.
''Obviously, a very exciting trade for us in adding Prince Fielder to the organization,'' Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. ''Also a tough trade to make in that Ian Kinsler's been with the organization since he was drafted in '03, and we've signed him here a couple of times. Been here, a catalyst for our World Series clubs, and a huge part of this. A winning guy, a heart-and-soul guy, and Detroit got a tremendous player and person.''
Fielder, a five-time All Star, hit .279 with 25 homeruns and 106 RBIs this season. He hit .182 in the ALCS. Kinsler, who is a three-time All Star, hit .277 with 13 homeruns this season, according to the Associated Press. Kinsler fills the Tigers void at second base after Omar Infante became a free agent, and Fielder adds power to the Rangers lineup.
The trade could save the Tigers more than $75 million with CY Young winner Max Scherzer a year away from free agency.