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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) reacts to striking out during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) reacts to striking out during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have two major free agents to address this offseason, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. It is unlikely that they will be able to re-sign both. Michael Saunders, an All-Star in 2016 is also a free agent. Toronto is looking at two potential outfield holes to plug in 2017.

Bautista is the more likely candidate to re-sign with the Blue Jays given his status as a franchise icon. Joey Bats, however, is 36, and spent last Spring Training making ridiculous contract demands. He followed up claims that he was looking for a $30 million deal with a .234/.366/.452 season and spent much of it on the disabled list.

Even if the Blue Jays do re-sign Bautista, he should be viewed as a full-time DH at this point in his career. His defense in right field, never great to begin with, has taken major steps back as he ages. The Blue Jays seem willing to do a two- or three-year deal with Bautista, and keeping him healthy for the life of the contract is the most important thing for Toronto.

Dexter Fowler has been a center fielder for his entire career, but the advanced metrics point to him being a very below-average defender. He seems more suited for right field, and the Blue Jays could plug him into Bautista’s spot in the field. Toronto cannot afford to lose both Bautista and Encarnacion, as their offense took a step back in 2016. Losing a big bat would lead to an even bigger drop off in 2017. Fowler would give the Jays the leadoff man they desperately need while bringing a defensive upgrade in right field. After two years of massive attendance, the Blue Jays must have money to spend, and they should consider doing so on Fowler.

Home/Chicago Cubs