The Detroit Tigers introduced Prince Fielder on Thursday after inking the prized free agent to a nine-year $214 million deal.

"This is awesome," Fielder said at a press conference at Comerica Park. "I just never thought this could happen."

Fielder will receive $23 million in his first two years and then $24 million in the final seven years. 

Fielder hit 0.299 and 38 home runs last year for the Milwaukee Brewers, who lose their first basemen who helped carry the team to an NLCS berth.

The Tigers improve on a roster that went 96-67 in 2011, winning the AL Central, before losing to the Texas Rangers in the ALCS.