Chicago Cubs: What to know ahead of the Winter Meetings

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein talks during the World Series victory rally in Grant Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein talks during the World Series victory rally in Grant Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Unfinished Business, Finished

Last year, outfielder Dexter Fowler rejected a qualifying offer from the Chicago Cubs but later agreed to another deal. The reason behind it? Fowler felt like he had unfinished business on the North Side of Chicago.

From starting out as an underdog to being four wins away from the World Series in 2015 was a huge step in the right direction. As mentioned before, or we all know, the Mets had other plans in store, ending the “Back to the Future” prediction.

Just when it looked as if Fowler was heading to Baltimore, that familiar face and smile came strolling to the mound in Mesa, Arizona.

History Repeats

Now that the season is over, Fowler rejected another qualifying offer extended by the Cubs which was a little under $20 million. He is now a free agent and is seeking up to four years that could equal anywhere between $13-$17 million a year.

At least, that’s my prediction. Not too crazy bad a guy who was spectacular both in the batter’s box and out in center field. The St. Louis Cardinals are going to be very active this year and they may end up looking to add Fowler to their mix.

St. Louis was on the heels of the Cubs until September when they clinched the National League Central. So expect the Cardinals to make a strong push for Fowler. They could very well end up competing with the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, and a few other teams for his services.

With that being said, don’t count on Fowler to make another surprise return to the Chicago Cubs for 2017 and beyond.