Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Return of Milton's Dexter Fowler to Cubs affects Jason Heyward

Chicago Cubs' Dexter Fowler watches his two-run double during the second inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015.(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Credit: Jeff Roberson

Credit: Jeff Roberson

Chicago Cubs' Dexter Fowler watches his two-run double during the second inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015.(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
By Staff reports
Feb 25, 2016

Former Milton High School standout Dexter Fowler has agreed to a one-year contract worth $8 million to stay with the Chicago Cubs.

The deal includes a mutual option for $9 million for 2017.

The speedy switch-hitting center fielder appeared set to sign with the Baltimore Orioles on a three-year-deal but instead chose to return to the Cubs. Fowler had 17 homers and 46 RBIs and a .250 average for Chicago last season. He  also scored 102 runs, had 149 hits and walked 84 times.

Without Fowler, the Cubs planned to play former Braves standout Jason Heyward in center field and possibly use him as their leadoff hitter, but now Heyward can play his normal right-field position and fill another spot in the batting order

Fowler, who has played eight seasons in the majors, turned down a $15.8 million, one-year qualifying offer from the Cubs in November.

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