Prince Fielder's career likely over after second neck surgery

It might be the end of the road for Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder. The Rangers have announced a press conference Wednesday where Fielder is expected to announce that his career is over, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. That report has been confirmed by Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

	Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
Sources: Prince Fielder’s career appears over. #Rangers expected to hold press conference tomorrow. 11:11 AM - 9 Aug 2016

Fielder underwent his second neck surgery in three years July 29, and that appears to be the reason for his abrupt announcement. If the reports are true, Fielder would walk away from the game at just 32 years old.

Fielder is not technically retiring, but his doctors will not clear him to play baseball.

	Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
To be clear: Prince Fielder is not retiring. He is medically disabled and doctors will not clear him to play, sources say. 12:03 PM - 9 Aug 2016

It’s an incredible sad development for anyone who got to see Fielder in his prime. From 2006 to 2013, Fielder was one of the best hitters in baseball. Over those eight seasons, he hit .286/.390/.528, with 283 home runs.

While Fielder was known for his prolific power, it’s important to note that he was one of the best all-around hitters in the game. His 141 wRC+, an advanced stat that measures offensive performance, ranked ninth among all players.

 

Prince Fielder’s career appears to be over. (Getty Images/Elsa)

After a down year with the Detroit Tigers, Fielder was traded to the Rangers for Ian Kinsler. Fielder got off to an awful start with his new club, hitting just .247/.360/.360, with three home runs, over 42 games. He was shut down in May and underwent neck surgery, ending his season.

While there was plenty of uncertainty about his return, Fielder experienced a rebound in 2015. The lefty hit .305/.378/.463, with 23 home runs, over 693 plate appearances. He may have no longer been in his prime, but he still remained effective.

That was short-lived. Fielder returned in 2016, and never seemed right. He hit just .212/.292/.334, with eight home runs over 370 plate appearances before being shut down again. Fielder underwent his second neck surgery on July 29, and it appears that will end his career.

Fielder, who signed a nine-year, $214 million deal in 2012, is owed $24 million annually through 2020.