Fansided

Dexter Fowler opts out: 5 potential landing spots

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) hits a solo home run against the Cleveland Indians during the eighth inning in game four of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) hits a solo home run against the Cleveland Indians during the eighth inning in game four of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) cannot come up with a single hit by Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (not pictured) during the fourth inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) cannot come up with a single hit by Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (not pictured) during the fourth inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Texas Rangers

The Rangers waited out the free-agent process last winter and swooped in to sign Ian Desmond to a one-year deal with the assumption that his overall athletic ability would allow him to make a smooth transition from shortstop to outfield. Desmond’s bat rebounded from a woeful 2015 campaign and he made his second All-Star team. On the downside, his defense was rough at times, and he cost the Rangers several runs in their ALDS loss. Desmond is a free agent again, but the Rangers should be looking for a defensive upgrade in center field.

Fowler is a defensive upgrade and an on-base upgrade over Desmond, and the Rangers should strongly consider signing him. Delino DeShields began the season as the starting centerfielder, but struggled to the tune of a .209/.275/.313 line in 74 games. The Rangers have championship aspirations, and cannot wait out another year of DeShields swinging at everything thrown his way.

Texas has most of the pieces in place to contend again in 2017 and beyond. The front office has to do everything in its power before to win a title before the end of the Adrian Beltre era. An aggressive winter might also help to quell the uneasiness over the team pawning the cost of its new stadium off on the taxpayers. As a veteran player with a winning track record, Fowler is a perfect fit in Texas.

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