The Texas Rangers believe they are out out of the bidding for free-agent slugger Prince Fielder, according to a person with knowledge of the talks, but not authorized to speak publicly because of the ongoing negotiations.

Fielder met Jan. 13 with Rangers' offiicals in Dallas, and they were among his strongest suitors.

The Rangers' likely elimination would seem to make the Washington Nationals front-runners for Fielder's services. The Nationals have courted Fielder for months and have had ongoing negotiations, but have waited patiently for the bidding process to unfold.

In recent weeks, Fielder also has been linked to the Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins and Seattle Mariners.

A person familiar with the negotiations, but not authorized to discuss publicly, said that talks were accelerating and could conclude today.

The Rangers, who recently committed $111 milion to Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish, were attempting to sign Fielder to a deal for less years than agent Scott Boras was seeking. Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan said recently that Fielder was seeking a deal for eight or 10 years.

Fielder, 27, who has spent his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers, has averaged 37 homers and 106 RBI over a full 162-game season. He hit 38 homers with 120 RBI last season, and finished third in the NL MVP voting.

If the Nationals sign Fielder, the left-handed slugger likely would be placed between right-handed hitters Michael Morse and Ryan Zimmerman.