The St. Louis Cardinals lost two key free agents (Jason Heyward and John Lackey) to the Chicago Cubs earlier this offseason. They gained two draft picks (33rd and 34th overall) for the losses, but that's not going to improve their 2016 MLB roster.
The Cardinals have been linked to Dexter Fowler in rumors this offseason, so is it possible the team is considering him at this point?
St. Louis figures to have a full outfield with Matt Holliday, Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty in 2016, but Grichuk underwent sports hernia surgery in December (on top of having only 150 MLB games under his belt). While he says he's ahead of schedule in his recovery, it's likely he'll still need some time to get back up to game speed.
As for the others, Holliday had injury issues in 2015 and could become a free agent after 2016. Piscotty has only played 63 MLB games and there have been previous rumors about him possibly moving over to first base depending on how that situation unfolds as the 2016 season progresses.
The club could also use a bat atop the order since it has no clear-cut leadoff hitter.
"The Cubs (his former team), White Sox and Rangers have all been rumored to be monitoring the [Fowler's] market, with teams like the Indians, Angels, Giants and Cardinals also mentioned as speculative fits," writes Mark Polishuk of MLBTradeRumors.com.
"On no planet should a 30-year-old with a .363 career on-base percentage have to wait this long to find a home, but the compensation issue has been a brutal one for Fowler," adds Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com. "It's clear now he did himself no favors turning down the Cubs' $15.8 million guarantee, and who better but the Cardinals to take advantage of his situation? With Randal Grichuk coming off sports hernia surgery, and neither Grichuk nor Stephen Piscotty nor Tommy Pham proven in a 162-game schedule, the Cards can add a more bankable commodity to their outfield and solidify their leadoff spot, allowing Matt Carpenter to better capitalize on his power."
One undeniable concern for the Cardinals is that they would have to surrender the 25th overall pick to the Cubs in the upcoming draft for signing Fowler, which would then offset one of the picks they originally received from the division rivals. As it stands right now, the Cubs won't make a selection until the 104th overall pick, which is probably something the Cardinals would like to see through.
But then again, they can give the Cubs a taste of their own medicine and steal a significant contributor from their 2015 team. Fowler was one of the most effective leadoff hitters in the MLB last season and manager Joe Maddon relied on him to spark the offense.
The 29-year-old had one of the best seasons of his career after batting .250/.346/.411 with 102 runs sscored (career-high), 17 home runs (career-high), 46 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 156 games.
Aside from being tied to draft pick compensation, it's largely unknown why Fowler doesn't have a home yet. However, that should end soon, and the Cardinals would be a good fit if they can absorb the sting of giving the Cubs back a draft pick.
