Fowler officially rejects Chicago Cubs' qualifying offer

Posted November 14, 2016 12:00 am

By Bruce Miles

Center fielder Dexter Fowler on Monday officially rejected the Chicago Cubs' qualifying offer of a one-year, $17.2 million contract.

The move, which was expected, makes Fowler a free agent for the second straight off-season. It is possible the Cubs can re-sign him.

Fowler, 30, has been the Cubs' engine from the leadoff spot for the past two seasons. This year he had a line of .276/.393/.447 with 13 homers and 48 RBI. He hit 2 home runs in the World Series, including one to lead off Game 7, won by the Cubs to give them their first world championship since 1908.

He was a free agent last off-season, as well, but he rejoined the Cubs in spring training after a deal with Baltimore fell through. Given his career-best on-base percentage of .393, Fowler could be the target of several teams, all of whom likely would offer multiyear packages. The Cubs would receive draft-pick compensation if Fowler leaves because they made him the qualifying offer.

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