Dexter Fowler to have physical in St. Louis tomorrow

As first reported by KSDK sports director Frank Cusumano, the Cardinals have confirmed that free-agent centerfielder Dexter Fowler, most recently of the Chicago Cubs, will undergo a physical in St. Louis tomorrow.

While this is not an absolute guarantee that Fowler will be signing with the Cardinals, it is certainly a sign that the Cardinals could be nearing an end of their much-noted pursuit of an upgrade in center field.

Last season, Fowler was a key contributor to the Chicago Cubs team that won its first World Series in 108 years. He trailed only Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo among Cubs position players in FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement and for the second straight season, had his best career season by the measure. He is considered a firmly above-average hitter with superb on-base ability, and while his defensive metrics have been varied throughout the years, he would almost certainly represent an immediate short-term improvement for the Cardinals outfield.

At the moment, details are limited, but once they become available, we will certainly have them covered from all angles.