Fielder joins Tigers with nine-year deal

Detroit, MI – The Detroit Tigers and Prince Fielder have put year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but multiple reports earlier this week indicated the pact for the former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman to be worth $214 million.

"Prince Fielder is one of the premier offensive players in the game of baseball and we are extremely excited to add an All-Star-caliber player like him to our lineup," said Tigers president, CEO and general manager Dave Dombrowski. "The addition of Prince is a testament to the organization's continued commitment to fielding a championship club."

The Tigers are coming off an American League Central title from 2011, their first division crown in 24 years, and lured one of the biggest available free agents to Detroit. He is familiar with the city, as his father, Cecil, played for the Tigers from 1990-96.

In 998 big league games, all with the Brewers, the 27-year-old Fielder has clubbed 230 homers and driven in 656 runs. He finished third in the voting for the National League Most Valuable Player last year after batting .299 with 38 homers and 120 RBI.

A three-time All-Star and career .282 hitter, Fielder has missed just one game in the past three seasons.

The Tigers were trying to add another quality bat after Victor Martinez went down with a torn knee ligament that could cost him the entire 2012 season. However, a first baseman was not considered a need with Miguel Cabrera already there. The AL's batting champion from a year ago will reportedly make the switch to third base, a position he played with the Marlins, to accommodate the new acquisition.