After a quiet winter meetings, the St. Louis Cardinals could be on the verge of making a major move.
The Cardinals are reportedly moving close to a deal with free-agent outfielder Dexter Fowler, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports. Fowler will reportedly undergo a physical on Friday, according to Frank Cusumano of KSDK Sports.
The Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays have been the most aggressive suitors for the 30-year-old, with both teams believed to have made initial offers in the range of $60 million over four years.
Sources told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the Cardinals made an over-the-top offer to Fowler, who reportedly is seeking $17 million annually, in order to acquire his signature on a contract.
Fowler is coming off one of the best seasons of his nine-year career, highlighted by his first All-Star appearance and capped off with a World Series win. He slashed .276/.393/.447 with 13 home runs, 25 doubles, and 13 stolen bases in 125 games with the Chicago Cubs.
Should the Cardinals agree to a deal with Fowler, it would cost them their first-round draft pick (No. 19) after he rejected a $17.2-million qualifying offer from the Cubs.
Fowler would likely slide into the leadoff spot for the Cardinals, while also being deployed in center field.