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For a long stretch of years after reaching the big leagues, Prince Fielder was one of the most durable and productive sluggers around. But he had the first major injury of his career in 2014 with the Texas Rangers, and after a resurgent season in 2015, Fielder was benched for two straight games over the weekend.
There have been signs to confirm it, but here are five reasons why Fielder’s best days are clearly behind him.
5. No Added Value As A Fielder
Credit: Getty Images5. No Added Value As A Fielder
Fielder only played 18 games at first base in 2015, and he's only played two games there so far this season. Lack of hitting is one thing, and an important thing, but Fielder is even more replaceable if he can't be used at his once typical position.
4. Body Type
Credit: Troy Taormina USA TODAY Sports4. Body Type
Quite frankly, Fielder always seemed to defy the odds of durability as a heavier man. Now 32 years old, the chances he rebounds from this year's early struggles are slim when age is paired with weight.
3. He's Been Benched
Credit: Getty Images3. He's Been Benched
Fielder being out of his team's lineup used to be unthinkable. But apart from any possible hidden injury issues, he's been benched for a simple lack of production (.187, one home run in his last 39 games).
2. Durability Concerns (Real or Imagined)
Credit: Getty Images2. Durability Concerns (Real or Imagined)
Fielder has denied any physical issues as a cause for this year's struggles, but it's possible he has not totally bounced back from 2014's neck injury. For a guy who once played 162 games in four of five seasons, durability is now a concern.
1. Peak Power Is Not Coming Back
Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports1. Peak Power Is Not Coming Back
Fielder's 2016 power outage dates back to late last season, when he hit eight home runs over 227 at-bats from Aug. 1 on. He's also hitting a lot of ground balls (46.9 percent so far in 2016), so Fielder's peak as a power hitter is gone.
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