Update, 9:15 p.m.
The deal has been agreed to, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. The exact details are yet to come, but Heyman’s sources say it’s at least five years at $16 million per season ($80 million total).
Original Post, 8:35 p.m.
Free agent outfielder Dexter Fowler will be in St. Louis for a physical with the Cardinals tomorrow, indicating a deal is close, reports Frank Cusumano of KFNS 560 The Fan. While no details of a contract are public, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Cardinals made an “over the top” offer to Fowler.
Fowler had one of his finest seasons of his nine-year career, slashing .276/.393/.447 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, and 85 runs scored in 125 games played. Fowler set career highs in OBP, BB% (14.3), wRC+ (129), and fWAR (4.7). In terms of National League outfielders, Fowler ranked second on FanGraphs in fWAR behind only teammate Kris Bryant (ranked as both third baseman and outfielder).
Fowler also posted positive numbers in center field this season, the first time he’s done so over a full season, according to FanGraphs. Fowler posted a 1.0 UZR/150 while manning center, with one defensive run saved, and also posted a 2.7 defensive rating on FanGraphs as well, which was a career high.
Fowler was once thought to be the backup plan for the Mets before they re-signed Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year deal, which remains the biggest contract signed by a free agent this offseason.
