MLB.com’s Bill Ladson reported today that the Washington Nationals recently met with Scott Boras, agent for highly coveted free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder. Rumors are swirling that the Nats are now the favorite to land the 27-year-old slugger who has spent his first seven season with the Milwaukee Brewers.

It it believed that Nats are competing with the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs for Prince, but whether or not Washington is committed to a lengthy contract with Fielder remains in question. With no designated hitter in the National League, there are doubts about Fielder’s defense as he ages at first base.

Earlier this off-season the Nationals bolstered their pitching staff by trading for Oakland A’s left-handed pitcher Gio Gonzales. With the addition of Fielder, Washington could be seen as a legitimate contender starting this year.

Fielder is a career .282 hitter with 230 home runs and 656 RBIs.  This past season with .299, with 38 home runs and 120 RBIs for the Brewers.