With Dexter Fowler still out on the free agent market with just a month left to go until the start of spring training, there seems to be some action brewing as the Texas Rangers are said to be in on the 29-year-old outfielder. They join the list with the Chicago White Sox, according to a report from David Kaplan of CSN Chicago on Monday afternoon.
As Kaplan notes, there are other teams in play, however, he is only hearing from those still looking to add a bat to their roster.
Phil Rogers of MLB.com later noted that he was informed yesterday at SoxFest that Chicago is not completely ruling out the possibility of signing a compensation free agent as there are a few who remain on the club's radar.
Fowler became a free agent after declining a $15.8MM qualifying offer from the Chicago Cubs where he could see a potential return, though it is considered unlikely at this time as Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com hears that it's "highly unlikely."
Bruce Levine of 670thescore.com had previously reported that the two sides have been in contact, however, talks never progressed much further with financial concerns being the issue as that played a large role in the communications.
If a reunion were to happen, that would leave the team with several questions such as where would Fowler fit and who would have to go to make a roster spot available. Earlier in the offseason, there had been some minor buzz that it could indeed be the case, however, it was quickly put to rest with multiple reports indicating otherwise.
Over the course of the 2015 season, Fowler hit .250/.346/.411 alongside a career-best 17 home runs and 46 RBI's in 156 games played. 690 total plate appearances were made over this time span.
Fowler has spent his entire career in the National League after having made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies back in 2008, however, a change of scenery could be key to his future success. As noted by Rotoworld.com, he currently 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.
Should Fowler end up in Texas, he would be an interesting addition as he would bring gold glove defense as well as another switch-hitting bat. Ultimately, signing him would cost the team their first round draft choice, and would likely cost more than they would want to spend. In terms on where he would play, there is a chance of that being an issue with Josh Hamilton back in left field, Shin-Soo Choo in right field, leaving Delino DeShields as the odd man out, meaning a showcase of talent would be provided during spring training with the likely event of which DeShields doesn't make the cut therefore starting 2016 with Triple-A Round Rock.
There is a slight possibility of which Fowler's agent could be looking to increase the pressure amongst other clubs in terms of a pursuit, adding more to the mix as one will soon evolve, leading the rest with an agreement in place as demands are made clear understood heading closer to opening day.