St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dexter Fowler is due for a tremendous 2018 season, bulking up in the offseason.
The St. Louis Cardinals outfield will have a much different look in 2018, with the departure of both Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk — while adding All-Star Marcell Ozuna in a trade with the Miami Marlins.
In 2017, the Cardinals outfield had their share of inconsistency and injuries, where they are looking for much improvement this upcoming campaign. The addition of Ozuna will no doubt give them a boost, and Tommy Pham will now be the everyday center fielder — moving Dexter Fowler over to right field in the process.
Recently, Dexter Fowler caught up with Derek Goold of the St. Louis Dispatch, revealing his thoughts on the switch to the corner outfield position.
"“I can catch a fly ball…”"
The always Jester Dexter provides a nice mix of bluntness, yet humor — who should be in the running for the MLB Mr. Personality award in 2018. But, all joking aside, Fowler is comfortable with this move and knows that it will better the team and also prolong his career.
Dexter Fowler says he’s healthy again after an offseason during which he gained 15 pounds of muscle. As for the move to RF, “I’m fine with it,” Fowler said. “It’ll prolong my career.” #STLCards
— Joe Trezza (@JoeTrezz) February 16, 2018
Dexter Fowler and his team-first, fun-loving attitude is one noticed by fans.
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St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny believes his outfield may be one of the best in all of MLB.
"“There is no doubt it could be one of the best outfields in the game, Ozuna can play center field and has played center field. Dexter — that’s who he’s been. And Tommy is showing the world what he can do. There’s a lot of ground that can be covered. I think we just got better.”"
The same rings true at the plate, with this group capable of being one of the best offensive outfield trios in all of MLB, as well. All three outfielder set MLB career highs in home runs and opposing pitchers will have to face this gauntlet to kick off each game — with Fowler returning to the leadoff position this coming season.
Injuries slowed down the speedy (and now bulky) Fowler a bit, but when healthy, he’s a threat to be reckoned with at the plate. He entered the All-Star break hitting below .250, but a late-season surge saw his slash line soar to .264/.363 /.488 — to go along with 18 home runs, 64 RBI, and 68 runs scored. Fowler is also a threat on the base paths, too, where he’s snagged double-digit bases in eight of his nine full MLB seasons.
Next: Cardinals considering using Alex Reyes as closer
Don’t sleep on the St. Louis Cardinals or Dexter Fowler in 2018, where both teams are looking for a breakthrough campaign.