Last offseason, Jason Heyward left the Cardinals to join up with the rival Cubs.
This offseason, Dexter Fowler has left the Cubs to join up with the rival Cardinals.
The Redbirds made things official Friday morning, introducing the now former Cubs outfielder and switching Fowler, fresh off a World Series win, to the other side of the Central Division rivalry.
Fowler spent each of the past two seasons with the Cubs and established himself as a remarkable catalyst at the top of the batting order. He made a surprise decision last offseason, re-upping with the Cubs during spring training after reports had him going elsewhere.
Fowler turned in a terrific 2016 campaign, reaching his first All-Star Game after posting a .290/.398/.483 slash line with seven homers, 19 doubles, three triples, six stolen bases, 28 RBIs and 41 runs scored in his first 64 games before a lengthy stay on the disabled list. He finished the regular season with a .276/.393/.447 slash line, 13 home runs, m48 RBIs and 84 runs scored for the 103-win Cubs.
Fowler picked up 18 hits — including three home runs — and scored 11 runs during the playoffs this past fall as the Cubs marched to their first World Series win in 108 years. He memorably belted a leadoff homer in Game 7 of the World Series, one of two home runs in that series against the Cleveland Indians.
MLB
Check out video of Fowler's speech at the Cubs' World Series rally last month in Grant Park: