Prince Fielder's MLB career appears to be over
Prince Fielder is expected to announce that he has been declared medically disabled at a press conference with the Rangers on Wednesday, FOX MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal first reported Tuesday.
It techinicaly isn't a retirement, but Fielder's career appears to be over.
Fielder, 32, recently had a second cervical fusion surgery on his neck that ended his 2016 season after 89 games (he had the initial procedure in 2014). Slowed by the injury, he hit just .212 with eight homers and 44 RBI this season.
The six-time All-Star was the seventh overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Brewers, for whom he played from 2005-2011. He then signed a nine-year, $214 million free-agent contract with the Detroit Tigers, who traded him to the Rangers prior to the 2014 season. In 12 seasons in the majors, Fielder has hit .283/.382/.506 with 319 homers and 1,028 RBI.
Prince Fielder is the son of former major-league slugger Cecil Fielder, who ironically finished his career with 319 homers as well.
Sources: Prince Fielder’s career appears over. #Rangers expected to hold press conference tomorrow.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 9, 2016
#Rangers’ Fielder underwent his second neck surgery on July 29. He is guaranteed $24M annually through 2020. Not known if TEX has insurance.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 9, 2016
