The Rangers wasting little time this off-season. After missing out on all their primary targets last winter, Texas pulls off a quick and major trade, sending second baseman Ian Kinsler to the Tigers for Prince Fielder.
The 29-year-old Fielder has hit at least 25 home runs in each of his eight full big league seasons. He's also driven in at least 100 runs in six of the last seven. Not only does he fill the need of a left-handed power bat, he solves the problem at first base, and solves the problem of the crowded middle infield.
Kinsler exits, opening the way for Jurickson Profar to play second base everday. Kinsler has been a solid bat at the top of the line-up, but he's missed chunks of games in three of the last six seasons. Fielder has missed only one game in the last five years combined.
Texas also receiving $30 million in cash from the Tigers, helping offset a little of the salary. Fielder is due $168 million over the next seven seasons. Kinsler owed $62 million over the next four.