Report: Eaton, Fowler high on Blue Jays' wish list
The Toronto Blue Jays front office has shifted its attention to the outfield following the official signing of designated hitter Kendrys Morales last week.
In search of a left-handed hitting outfielder, free agent Dexter Fowler and Adam Eaton of the Chicago White Sox are reportedly two names that are high on the Blue Jays' wish list, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Fowler is coming off one of the strongest seasons of his nine-year career with the Chicago Cubs, highlighted with his first All-Star appearance and a World Series title. He hit .276/.393/.447 with 13 home runs, 25 doubles, and 13 stolen bases across 125 games.
The 30-year-old has played exclusively in center field during his career and the Blue Jays would have to either put him in a corner outfield spot or move Gold Glove nominee Kevin Pillar to either left or right. Fowler is said to be in search of a four-year deal and is tied to draft-pick compensation after rejecting a qualifying offer from the Cubs.
Eaton is expected to be one of a number of pieces the White Sox will try to move this winter as they potentially look at a rebuild. The 27-year-old speedster is a strong defender who hit .284/.362/.428 with 14 home runs, 29 doubles, nine triples, and 14 stolen bases in 157 games. He split time between center and right field last season.
The cost of Eaton likely won't be cheap due to his very team-friendly contract. He's owed just $4 million in 2017 and is under team control through the 2021 season. He's set to earn $6 million in 2018, $8.4 million in 2019, has a $9.5-million team option for 2020, and a $10.5-million team option in 2021.
Both players would help balance out a right-handed heavy lineup, while adding more speed to a team that ranked 25th in stolen bases in 2016.