Report: Rangers 'in play' for Dexter Fowler

Dexter Fowler, one of the few qualified free agents still available, appears to be drawing interest from clubs on both sides of Chicago, and it looks like the veteran center fielder is on the radar down in Arlington, too, as spring training nears.

Less than a week after a report indicated both the Cubs and White Sox are interested in the 29-year-old, David Kaplan of CSN Chicago reported Monday that the Texas Rangers are in play for Fowler, as well.

Much like Fowler's suitors in the midwest, the Rangers seem to be set in the outfield, though the reigning division champions may want an offensive upgrade in that department - their outfielders managed a .716 OPS in 2015 - or potential insurance against an injury to Josh Hamilton. Last season, Fowler hit .250/.346/.411 (107 OPS+) with a career-best 17 homers in 156 games with the Cubs, finishing 11th among center fielders with 3.2 wins above replacement.

Fowler, who has spent his entire career in the National League, ranks 36th among outfielders in WAR since 2012, producing a .368 OBP over that span while averaging 12 homers and 16 stolen bases per year.

Though Fowler is attached to draft-pick compensation, the Rangers will receive a compensatory draft pick of their own should right-hander Yovani Gallardo, the one-time All-Star, sign with another club ahead of the 2016 MLB Draft.