WATCH: Fowler on playing the Cubs "It'll be weird" |
Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler has officially signed a five-year deal worth $82.5 million with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday morning.
The @Cardinals open the '17 season vs. the #Cubs. Fowler: "It'll be weird." #STLCards pic.twitter.com/LP9HY8Z5S0
The positive news for the Cubs since he rejected their qualifying offer, the Cardinals will lose their 19th pick in the 2017 draft and put a Cubs pick at the end of the first round. Fowler is the first Cubs player to sign with the Cardinals after playing with the Cubs the previous year since Mark Grudzielanek in 2004. Fowler had strong interest from the Cardinals, Blue Jays, and others with his impressive season spearheading the Cubs offense. He batted .276 with 13 homers, 48 RBIs, and 13 steals this season and was named to his first National League All-Star team. However, his numbers do not tell the tale of his play, leadership, and how great of a teammate he was during his time with the Cubs. The Cubs and Cardinals will play on Opening Night in 2017 on April 2 in St. Louis (8:30 pm ET, ESPN).