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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 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) in action during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) in action during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

3. New York Mets

Re-signing Yoenis Cespedes should be first on the Mets priority list this offseason, but bringing him back will once again pose a big challenge. Dexter Fowler could prove to be a suitable replacement if Cespedes walks. The Mets are already bringing Jay Bruce back and have another year of Curtis Granderson.

Bruce and Granderson have to be considered left and right fielders for next season, leaving a void in center field. Cespedes openly campaigned against playing the outfield’s cornerstone position last season. The Mets have certainly square pegged him into a round hole, and it could influence his decision in free agency.

Fowler is a logical fall-back option for the Mets if they cannot sign Cespedes. For starters, he should receive close to half of the money Cespedes will eventually receive, and with several few years on the contract. It remains unclear just how much money the Mets ownership is willing to spend.

The Mets were 11th in the NL in runs in 2016 despite finishing second in home runs. Too many solo home runs and not enough traffic on the bases held the offense back. A competent leadoff man like Fowler would be a huge addition to the lineup.

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