Free-agent outfielder Dexter Fowler is being coveted by multiple teams but may not have to leave the Windy City—even if he changes teams.
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Cubs, White Sox Reportedly Most Interested in Fowler
Wednesday, Jan. 27
Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago reported Wednesday on both clubs who are most keen to acquire Fowler—or in the Cubs' case, retain him.
"The Cubs are still the most likely landing spot for Fowler," said one baseball executive to Levine. "He should have taken the Cubs' qualifying offer and moved into the free-agent class of 2017."
Fowler was a dynamic offensive threat in 2015 as a member of the Cubs with 17 home runs and 46 RBI to go with 29 doubles, eight triples and 20 stolen bases.
The Cubs boast a talented young core but could use a more veteran player in Fowler who still has plenty of speed to be an asset in the outfield and can catalyze a loaded lineup.
But the White Sox could weaken their city rival by landing Fowler and may be willing to pay a greater price. At some point the Cubs will have to pay all their supremely gifted young stars, and their adversaries from the South Side don't exactly have that problem as of now.
Plus, the American League's Chicago club badly needs a spark on offense after ranking 28th in scoring this past season. The Sox had the 14th-best team ERA in baseball and were third in quality starts but couldn't scrounge out better than a 76-86 overall record due to lack of run support.
Manager Robin Ventura's bunch also stole the seventh-fewest bases in the league. Fowler could at least pose a threat on the basepaths—provided he can cut down slightly on his strikeout rate, as he was fanned 154 times in 2015.
If winning is Fowler's primary objective, though, returning to the Cubs may be his best bet. ESPN's Buster Olney reported as recently as December the New York Mets were considering Fowler, though that was before Yoenis Cespedes decided to return to the Big Apple.
No matter which of the three teams he decides among, Fowler will be playing in a big market and, odds are, have a real chance at a championship with either the Mets or Cubs. Should he opt for the White Sox, though, he'll likely make more money and be able to have a greater individual impact on the franchise.
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