Two former Rangers All-Stars have joined the coaching staffs for the 2024 MLB All-Star Futures Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
Ian Kinsler and Prince Fielder, who were once traded for each other, will be in opposite dugouts for the 25th edition of the Futures Game on July 13. Kinsler has been appointed the bench coach for NL Futures manager Michael Young, while Fielder will serve as the bench coach for AL Futures skipper Adrian Beltré. This seven-inning contest, featuring top Minor League prospects, is set to start at 4:10 p.m. ET.
Kinsler, speaking on MLB Network, expressed excitement about participating in the game: “The future of the game is so highlighted now, so it’s going to be a lot of fun to be a part of it. I never got to be a part of the Futures Game as a player, so seeing these young players step into a big league locker room and play in a huge stadium will be a lot of fun.”
Fielder mentioned that he couldn’t refuse when Beltré asked him to join the coaching staff: “Anytime he asks me to do something, I usually do it. Being around the younger guys is going to be a lot of fun.”
Kinsler, who spent his first eight seasons with the Rangers, earned three All-Star selections and helped the team win back-to-back AL pennants in 2010-11. He ranks fifth in franchise history with 35 WAR (according to Baseball-Reference).
“Being in Arlington is special for me,” Kinsler said. “It’s a different stadium, one that I never played in, but the same fan base. So it’s going to be a lot of fun getting in there and mixing it up.”
Kinsler and Fielder also recalled their 2010 ESPN Sunday Night Baseball commercial with actor Adam Scott, where they humorously discussed fantasy baseball trades.
In November 2013, Texas traded Kinsler to the Tigers for Fielder. Fielder had signed a nine-year, $214 million contract with the Tigers in January 2012 after seven seasons with the Brewers, but Detroit traded him after just two seasons.
Fielder played only 42 games for the Rangers in 2014 before undergoing season-ending neck surgery. He made a strong comeback in 2015, earning an All-Star selection and winning AL Comeback Player of the Year, but had to retire in 2016 due to another neck issue.