Prince Fielder is the best hitter in the majors not on steroids not named Albert Pujols and the Brewers are truly blessed to have him. But how much longer can they afford him? Fielder has two more seasons under Brewer control until he hits the 2011 free agent market with the likes of Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez and Ryan Howard and at 25 years old he does not have the body that a small market team like the Brewers can afford to overpay for too many years past his prime. Fielder said he would stay in Milwaukee, "as long as possible".

With Ryan Braun in the fold, the proven ability to groom hitters effectively and Mat Gamel playing himself off of 3B and ready to move to 1B if needed, can the Brewers afford to extend Fielder? I say offer him a four year extension worth $75 million, which is basically another five years at $96 million because he is under contract for $11 million this season. The odds are stacked against the Brewers. Mark Teixeira, who was in a similar situation contract wise, accepted a buyout of the first two years of arbitration and rejected an eight year $140 million dollar deal before being shipped off twice in the last year and a half. He then hit the free agent market.

I'd rather not think about losing Prince Fielder, but it's a very likely possibility.

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written by Rex P. Jaybels , February 02, 2010

Which is the better move, sign Fielder to a long term extension (if even possible) or trade him soon?

I think they would be wise to explore trade options at the deadline, which I'm sure they will.

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