Dexter Fowler reportedly looking for $18 million per season on a multi-year contract
According to a report from Jon Heyman, Dexter Fowler believes he can get a multi-year contract this off-season worth $18 million per season. Fowler is seeking a three- to four-year contract. And with an AAV of $18 million, Fowler could receive a contract worth between $54-72 million.
Guesstimates after the Cubs won The World Series had Fowler inking a contract for four years and around $60 million with some predictions having him land a five-year deal in the $85 million range ($17 million AAV).
Fowler declined the Cubs’ qualifying offer and is attached to draft pick compensation. The Cubs will receive a compensation pick in June’s Draft when Fowler signs with another team. And his new club will surrender its first available draft pick. Draft pick compensation does not change this year (2016-17 off-season).
Heyman reported the Cardinals, Giants and Blue Jays are among the teams interested in Fowler. The Mets are no longer in the mix for Fowler.
During an interview on MLB Network Thursday, Mets GM Sandy Alderson said he would be surprised if the Mets got involved with a top level centerfielder. The Mets do not want to surrender their first round draft pick and according to Alderson his team has other needs.
Dexter Fowler is coming off a career-year one in which he helped the Cubs win The World Series. While the front office has not shut the door on him returning, it is highly unlikely he will re-sign with the Cubs this off-season.
Fowler played in 125 games this past season and hit .276/.393/.447 with 25 doubles, seven triples and 13 home runs for a .840 OPS. Dexter Fowler turns 31 on March 22.