Tigers star connected to All-Star weekend coaching top prospects following deal
A matchup between two former Tigers is scheduled during MLB’s All-Star break.
Prince Fielder and Ian Kinsler, who were formerly traded for one another as part of a transaction between the Texas Rangers and Detroit, will be the Futures Game bench coaches.
At Globe Life Field in Arlington on July 13, the 25th edition of the event, which features some of baseball’s best prospects, will take place.
Fielder and skipper Adrian Beltré will be in the AL dugout with manager Michael Young, while Kinsler and manager Michael Young, both former Rangers, will be in the NL dugout.
Four-time All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler started his career with the Rangers until being sold to the Tigers in November 2013 in exchange for Fielder. He played in his first Detroit season as an All-Star.
Kinsler stated on MLB Network, “It’s going to be a lot of fun to be a part of it because, in my opinion, the future of the game is so highlighted now.” It will be exciting to witness what it’s like for these young kids to enter a big league locker room for the first time, play in a massive stadium, and watch as their eyes light up—I never got to be a part of the Futures Game as a player.
As the son of the legendary Cecil Fielder of the Tigers, Fielder is well-liked by the Motor City crowd. When questioned about the possibility, he informed MLB that he couldn’t refuse Beltre.
“I usually comply with his requests whenever they come up,” Fielder stated. It’s going to be a lot of fun just hanging around with the younger men.
Before having neck surgery that ended the 2014 season, Fielder only appeared in 42 games with the Rangers.
