Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Prince Fielder-Ian Kinsler trade reactions: Blockbuster deal catches everyone by surprise

Approximately zero people saw this one coming.

Trade rumors are constantly swirling this time of year. Sometimes, those rumblings involve star players. This offseason, rumors have been attached to Troy Tulowitzki, Max Scherzer, Matt Wieters and others. Nothing has materialized with any of those players, but a deal involving a couple of other stars sure happened out of the blue on Monday.

The Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers exchanged perennial All-Stars, swapping Prince Fielder and Ian Kinsler in a trade that seems to benefit both squads. The thing that makes it unique, other than the fact that it was a one-for-one deal, is that there was little-to-no discussion about it prior to the breaking of the news by CBS Sports' Jon Heyman. That made for a lot of shock around the baseball world:

(What does that even mean?)

(Perhaps in reference to this?)

The trade, which also includes the Tigers sending $30 million to the Rangers, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan, is pending league approval.

More from SB Nation MLB:

A-Rod storms out of hearing | Proclaims innocence to WFAN’s Francesa

Tigers, Rangers swap Ian Kinsler and Prince Fielder | Explaining the deal

Baseball Nation: Yasiel Puig for Chris Sale -- who says no first?

MLB trade rumors | Yanks eye Joe Nathan | Brian McCann meeting teams soon

Death of a Ballplayer: Wrongly convicted prospect spends 27 years in prison

See More:

More in MLB

MLB
Oklahoma-Georgia gave us an incredible family moment at the Men’s College World SeriesOklahoma-Georgia gave us an incredible family moment at the Men’s College World Series
MLB

Kolby Branch’s final collegiate swing capped off a bittersweet night for the Branch family in Omaha

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series 2026: Schedule, scores, and how to watchMen’s College World Series 2026: Schedule, scores, and how to watch
MLB

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Men’s College World Series, from the full schedule to how to watch

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Owen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS FinalsOwen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS Finals
MLB

UNC is headed to the Men’s College World Series Finals after knocking off West Virginia in Omaha

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series: Joey Volchko dominates as Georgia knocks off TexasMen’s College World Series: Joey Volchko dominates as Georgia knocks off Texas
MLB

Georgia’s Joey Volchko was dominant as the Bulldogs knocked off Texas to open their MCWS

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series: Gavin Gallaher, Colin Hynek deliver for UNC vs. Ole MissMen’s College World Series: Gavin Gallaher, Colin Hynek deliver for UNC vs. Ole Miss
MLB

Gavin Gallaher’s first career MCWS hit came at a perfect time for UNC against Ole Miss

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series 2026: One key player for each teamMen’s College World Series 2026: One key player for each team
MLB

Here is one key player to watch on each team at the Men’s College World Series

By Mark Schofield