MLB: Top Five Free Agent Destinations for Dexter Fowler

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) celebrates with first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) after hitting a solo home run against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 6

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs

Even though their 2016 World Series victory is probably enough to keep the Cubs fans happy for the next 108 years, the truth of the matter is that this is just the beginning for the young Cubbies. Theo Epstein has built this team into a juggernaut that’s set up to be title contenders for the next five-to-ten years, and everyone knows it.

Chicago finally has a winning culture, and that’s why we’ve seen key free agents spurn other teams and sign with Theo Epstein in recent years, including World Series MVP Ben Zobrist, their ace Jon Lester and of course, Dexter Fowler just one year ago.

Fowler just made history with the Cubs, so why not stay and continue to make Chi-Town his home?

Sure, he’s 99.9 percent likely opt out of his $9 million mutual option in favor of a $5 million buyout to test the free agent market for a second consecutive offseason to seek the multi-year deal and pay increase that he deserves, but if the Cubs are willing to offer it to him, why not stay with the best team in baseball?

Things will get interesting for Theo Epstein, especially with Jason Hammel and Aroldis Chapman set to join Fowler in free agency, but I think prioritizing Dexter Fowler might be at the forefront for the Cubs.

Home/MLB News