Dexter Fowler Flies To Cardinals

The Cardinals went into the offseason needing to address outfield, they did that Thursday night by signing free agent centerfielder Dexter Fowler. The Cardinals signed him for a five-year contract, worth $82.5 million. Fowler comes from the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs, after playing two seasons for them. While, Fowler may not have been everyone's first choice, what he does best is get on base. He's also a true lead off guy.

In 2016, besides helping the Cubs win the World Series, he was an All-Star for the first time in his MLB career. He had his best on base percentage since 2012 with the Colorado Rockies. In 2012, Fowler's on base percentage was 389, in 2016 393. He's been the guy who is able to spark the Cubs the last couple of seasons. Last year, without Fowler the Cubs were 23-20. He hit .276, with 13 home runs, 48 rbi's, and 13 stolen bases.

Fowler 30, has been in the MLB for nine seasons. Over those nine seasons, his career stats are: 1,064 games played, 623 runs, 1,001 hits, 195 doubles, 72 triples, 78 home runs, 339 rbi's, 127 stolen bases, 554 walks, and a career batting average of .268.

In Fowler the Cardinals are pretty much wanting a guy who can get on base, and provide some athleticism. Which, he seems to have been able to do for other teams in his career. Randal Grichuk will move to left-field. The outfield appears to be better. Grichuk, Fowler, and Stephen Piscotty all have enough speed to cover ground. The Cardinals lineup becomes a lot more stable too.

His personality should also help the Cardinals out. Will the Cardinals make another move? They have the room, and money to make another move if they want to. The Cardinals are showing by landing both Brett Cecil back in November, and now Dexter Fowler that they are willing to spend money.