Report: Rangers meet with Prince Fielder

Published Jan. 13, 2012 3:30 p.m. ET

foxsports

First baseman Prince Fielder visited with the Texas Rangers Friday as part of his free-agent tour.

USA Today first reported the meeting, which was confirmed by a baseball source.

Fielder's meeting with the Rangers doesn't mean he's Texas bound.

The first priority for the club remains signing Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish. The club has until 4 p.m. Wednesday to get a deal done with Darvish, who remains in Japan.

Team president Nolan Ryan said Thursday night he was optimistic the Rangers could strike a deal with Darvish. If that doesn't happen, that would likely increase the Rangers' interest in Fielder.

Texas was in a similar situation after the 2010 season. Once the Rangers failed in their bid to re-sign Cliff Lee, their focus shifted to bolstering the offense with the signing of Adrian Beltre.

It's unlikely the club would spend the money needed to get both Darvish and Fielder. General manager Jon Daniels, who was unavailable for comment on Fielder, has said on several occasions the club is trying to keep its core players. Signing both Darvish and Fielder would hurt the chances of doing that.

The team also remains confident that Mitch Moreland can play first base. Manager Ron Washington said that again Thursday night at an autograph event.