As Expected, Dexter Fowler Rejects Cubs' Qualifying Offer, Becomes Free Agent

(CBS) Outfielder Dexter Fowler has rejected the Cubs' qualifying offer in a move that was expected, making him a free agent.

Fowler, who turns 31 in March, is expected to command a much more lucrative multi-year deal on the open market than the one-year, $17.2-million offer that was on the table. If Fowler signs elsewhere, as many expect, the Cubs would receive a compensatory pick in the 2017 draft.

Fowler also rejected the Cubs' qualifying offer after the 2015 season to enter free agency, where he appeared headed toward a three-year deal with the Orioles before an 11th-hour push by the Cubs brought him back to Chicago.

Shortly after the World Series, Fowler confirmed he'd become a free agent.

"I'm definitely going to be a free agent, but hopefully it happens a little bit quicker than last year," Fowler said on ESPN's "SportsCenter." "You can't control what goes on, but I loved my time in Chicago and I'm definitely not counting them out, but we'll see what God has planned for us now."

Fowler hit .276 with 13 homers, 48 RBIs, 84 runs and an .840 OPS in 125 games in 2016. His .393 on-base percentage was key in setting the table for the champion Cubs.

The Cubs have internal options to replace Fowler in center field, as 22-year-old Albert Almora is ready for a bigger role. Chicago could also shift Gold Glove right fielder Jason Heyward to center, opening up a corner outfield spot for the likes of Ben Zobrist and/or Jorge Soler.