The Toronto Blue Jays have a wonderful 2016 season. They won the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers but was eventually booted out by the Cleveland Indians in the Championship Series. Now, rumors are saying that they are looking to sign Chicago Cubs' center fielder Dexter Fowler this offseason to beef up their offense.
Fowler is one of the top available free agent outfielders in the market today and he attracts so much attention to many teams. His 0.276 averages, 13 home runs, 48 RBI and a brilliant 0.393 OBP in 2016 season are career highs making him more appealing to other teams. His stats is one of the reasons why the Blue Jays are chasing him in the trade market.
According to Jays Journal, as the Chicago Cubs quietly signed outfielder Jon Jay to a one-year, $8 million contract, it appears that the return of Dexter Fowler to the team is now slim. And now, the Toronto Blue Jays are moving to acquire him this winter before it's too late. Though Fowler might ask for a hefty contract, his caliber is what the Blue Jays are looking for.
The report also says that aside from offense, Fowler has a combined 8.0 WAR over the past two season that would make the Blue Jays' defense more potent. He will also be a better upgrade over Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders in the corner outfields and would bring a different variety on defense.
On a separate report by NESN, the Blue Jays might lose Jose Bautista this offseason and try to replace him with Dexter Fowler could be a great move for them. Reports are saying that since Toronto is said to be giving up on keeping Bautista and Fowler are expecting to bolt out with Cubs, it makes sense to talk to him and try to convince him to transfer.
Having Fowler will be an added defensive man on the Blue Jays' roster with Kevin Pillar as their main man in defense. The Blue Jays would like to make up for the lost opportunity last season and bringing in Fowler might create better outing for them.
Will the Toronto Blue Jays be able to sign Chicago Cubs' center fielder Dexter Fowler this offseason?
