According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs and White Sox are still in on Dexter Fowler.
Rick Hahn is not done with his roster and is looking to add more offense to the Sox lineup. As for the Cubs, Levine is not convinced if the Cubs were to re-sign Fowler it would mean that Jorge Soler has to be traded to create playing time in the outfield.
During an interview Saturday on Inside the Clubhouse (670 The Score), Bruce Levine and Jordan Bernfield asked David Ross about the possibility of Fowler returning to the Cubs.
David Ross was Fowler’s locker-mate last season and has exchanged texts with him. Ross said Fowler is “keeping it close to the vest.” Fowler would like to return to the Cubs but he would not give Ross any definite answers about where he is going.
Reports have indicated Fowler was looking for a four-year contract this off-season. At this point, Fowler will likely receive a two-year deal that could include the incredibly popular opt-out after one season. And he’s not expected to receive an AAV close to the $15.8 million qualifying offer he rejected in November.
Heyman’s Five Possibilities for Dexter Fowler
With Howie Kendrick agreeing to terms on a two-year, $20 million contract to return to the Dodgers, there are only three qualifying offer free agents that remain unsigned for the upcoming season … Ian Desmond, Yovani Gallardo and Dexter Fowler.
During an appearance Friday on MLB Tonight (MLB Network), Jon Heyman discussed possible landing spots for Dexter Fowler. Heyman thinks the Orioles could use Fowler as a left fielder. Heyman agrees that the Cubs and White Sox make sense. And both the Angels and Giants could be a fit for Fowler as well.
Heyman said he could see the Orioles “potentially going for Fowler.” The Orioles “have not been connected to him strongly to this point.” Heyman speculated the Orioles could be a fit because they were in on Yoenis Cespedes after signing Chris Davis. Since the Orioles bid on Cespedes, Heyman feels they would have the money for Fowler. With Adam Jones in center, Fowler could move to left and fill the Orioles needs an outfielder and leadoff man.
Dan Duquette recently said on MLB Network Radio the Orioles were not inclined to sign a player attached to draft pick compensation. The Orioles have the 14th pick in the draft and do not want to surrender it, or the slot money, to sign a free agent this off-season.
Heyman is not sure the Cubs are the favorite for Fowler because Jorge Soler would have to be traded first to ensure playing time for him. Heyman pointed out if the Soler rumors pickup, it could lead to Fowler re-signing with the Cubs.
Heyman is not the only one that thinks Fowler would make sense for the Angels. Fowler could play left with Mike Trout in center and hit at the top of Mike Scioscia’s lineup. Heyman feels the Angels could sign Fowler and stay under the luxury tax threshold that owner Arte Moreno is concerned about.
Even with Denard Span, Heyman is not convinced the Giants are set in the outfield and could use Fowler. Span and Angel Pagan are huge question marks. Fowler would provide depth to the Giants in center and/or in left and provide Bruce Bochy with another option for the top of the lineup.
With only 20 days before pitchers and catchers report, Bruce Levine expects Dexter Fowler to land with a team in the next seven to 10 days.