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MLB Rumors: Dexter Fowler on his way to St. Louis for physical

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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Dexter Fowler is reportedly on his way to St. Louis for a physical. Is a deal soon to follow?

According to Frank Cusumano of KSDK Sports in St. Louis, All-Star center fielder Dexter Fowler is on his way for a physical with the Cardinals. St. Louis had emerged as a top contender to land Fowler, along with the Toronto Blue Jays. Fowler’s previous team, the Chicago Cubs did not show interest in retaining him this year. Bob Nightengale of USA Today has also confirmed that Fowler and the Cards are close to finalizing a deal.

For obvious reasons, news of Fowler’s contractual terms have not yet made it out to the media. With Ian Desmond receiving five years and $70 million from the Colorado Rockies, Fowler should see at least four years and $60 million. That type of money was not on the table last year.

And for those unfamiliar with his free agency saga last year, Fowler’s market dragged due to his qualifying offer. The Baltimore Orioles appeared ready to sign the outfielder to a three-year contract for $33 million, and the news was widely circulated by all of the most prominent members of the baseball media. Apparently everyone had jumped the gun, and Fowler elected to return to the Cubs after the Orioles would not grant him an opt-out clause.

Fowler made his first All-Star team last season, and slashed .276/.393/.447 with 13 home runs and 13 steals in 125 games. For his career, the 30-year old is a .268/.366/.422 hitter with 78 home runs and 127 stolen bases. He has a reputation as a patient hitter with good on-base skills and a solid blend of speed and power. Fowler has been a poor to below-average defender in center field during for his entire career, but did have a solid 2016 in the field.

For the Cardinals, Fowler will likely remain in center field with Randal Grichuk sliding over to left field. Fowler led off for the Cubs, and should continue doing so for the Cardinals, filling the void left by Jason Heyward after he bolted for Chicago. St. Louis missed the playoffs in 2016 for the first time since 2010. The addition of Fowler is a good start as they look to gain some ground on the Cubs.

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