Dexter Fowler opts out: 5 potential landing spots
Dexter Fowler has opted out of his contract with the Chicago Cubs. Here are five potential landing spots for the free-agent outfielder.
As expected, Dexter Fowler will not exercise his player option for 2017 with the Chicago Cubs. After one of the more interesting and controversial free agencies in recent years, Fowler signed a two-year deal with the Cubs during Spring Training last year. Both sides knew that barring a catastrophic injury, Fowler would not be exercising his $9 million option for the 2017 season.
Fowler was on the verge of signing a three-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles last winter, but made an 11th-hour return to the Cubs after his deal with the Orioles fell apart. In his second season in Chicago, Fowler made his first All-Star team and batted .276/.393/.447 with 13 home runs and 13 stolen bases. The centerfielder produced several big hits in the 2016 postseason and homered to lead off Game 7 of the World Series.
The Cubs hung the qualifying offer on Fowler last offseason, and the draft pick tied to signing him slowed down the market for his services. Chicago could very well hang the offer on him again this year, but after an even better 2016 season, Fowler’s market should prove hotter this time around. Here are the five teams who could be in the bidding for the 30-year-old outfielder.
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
5. Chicago Cubs
Fowler stated that he would not rule out another return to the Cubs, but a reunion could be complicated. The Cubs re-signed Fowler when it became evident that he would be willing to settle for a one-year contract. This time around, Fowler will likely take no less than a three-year deal.
The Cubs love Fowler and he clearly loves the Cubs, but his fit with the team in the future is murky. Next year, Joe Maddon will have to find at-bats for Kyle Schwarber, Javy Baez, Ben Zobrist, Jorge Soler, and Willson Contreras. Adding Fowler back into that mix clogs things up even more. The team’s 2012 first-round pick, Albert Almora is also banging down the door, and batted .277 in 47 games during his rookie year. Almora has very little left to accomplish in the minor leagues.
Unless a trade is made, the Cubs may be unable to fit Fowler into their long-term plans. There were more at-bats and innings to go around in 2016 because Schwarber missed the entire season with a knee injury. The Cubs would likely take a mulligan on signing Jason Heyward to an eight-year deal and make Fowler their right fielder, but it doesn’t work that way.
Chicago can afford to bring Fowler back, and they may once again take the approach of figuring things out as they go along. The lineup needs a leadoff man capable of reaching base at a .400 clip, and few can match Fowler’s well-rounded, patient approach at the plate. Despite all of the roster and playing-time implications that come with re-signing Fowler, the Cubs should be viewed as the most-likely suitors.
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.
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.
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.
Jun 9, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Nelson Cruz (23) cannot reach a two-run home run hit by Cleveland Indians center fielder Tyler Naquin (not pictured) during the eighth inning to put the Indians up 4-2 at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
1. Seattle Mariners
Jerry DiPoto is molding the Seattle Mariners into an interesting blend of speed and defense, so one would have to imagine that he wants nothing to do with 36-year-old Nelson Cruz continuing to patrol right field in spacious Safeco Park. Cruz’s outfield starts were down to 48 in 2016, but that’s still 48 too many.
Assuming Cruz is not going to see any playing time in the outfield in 2017, the Mariners have an underwhelming group to fall back on, led by Seth Smith and Ben Gamel. A better option is needed if the Mariners are going to get over the hump after another season outside of the playoffs. Seattle very nearly made the postseason for the first time since 2001, but ultimately fell several games short.
Fowler fits in nicely with the current Seattle lineup. He would provide an upgrade at the leadoff spot, and better defense in right field with Leonys Martin continuing to play a competent center field. This team came painfully close to breaking out in 2016, and the All-Star trio of Kyle Seager, Robinson Cano, and Cruz will put them in position to contend again in 2017. DiPoto just needs one more offensive weapon to put his team over the hump.
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