In terms of outfield help still sitting available on the free agent market, Dexter Fowler fits right behind Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Upton.

Fowler is coming off his best season as a pro, posting a strong 3.2 fWAR in his first, and likely only, season as a member of the Chicago Cubs. His speed and power potential manifested itself last season, as he hit 17 home runs to go along with a respectable 20 stolen bases.

He was one of seven players to achieve those numbers on a list that includes studs such as Manny Machado, Paul Goldschmidt, and A.J. Pollock.

For some context, prior to the beginning of the offseason, MLB Trade Rumors had Fowler pegged for a 4 year, $60 million contract with the Mets. FanGraphs had a median estimation of 4 years and $56 million.

Given the slow churning free agent outfield market we have seen thus far, it seems fairly likely Fowler could end up only receiving three-year offers. He would likely have no trouble receiving a fourth year if it were not for the qualifying offer attached to him. That forces any team he signs with to give up an early draft pick, which so far seems to be holding teams back a bit.

It is uncommon to see so many solid, everyday players available in January. There is seemingly no quick end in sight either, as Fowler remains just the third best outfield option sitting on the open market, with little reports of anything being imminent for him (or Cespedes and Upton for that matter).

Is the market aligning for Fowler to be a free agent bargain? I sure think so.

A Tale of Two Halves

His season-long numbers from 2015 are surely impressive. As previously mentioned, he was amongst the few players to offer a true power-speed combo in 2015, and he posted a useful .346 OBP to go along with it. His 3.2 fWAR put him 57th in the league among hitters and was the best mark he has reached in his career.

His Denard Span deal of three years, $31 million would be a fairly reasonable contract for Fowler’s agent to base his demands on. While Span did not come with the qualifying offer that is attached to Fowler, it was a fairly widely agreed upon consensus that Fowler would sign a bigger deal this offseason (both MLB Trade Rumors and FanGraphs agreed in this regard).

While Span offers a bit more ability in terms of fielding prowess, Fowler is two years younger and does not have the injury concerns that Span has. The Orioles, White Sox, Tigers, and Angels are all prospective fits for Fowler and the other two premium outfielders remaining in free agency.

A deal in the three-year, $36 million range would be reasonable for Fowler, but it is fair to assume he and his agent are trying to hold out for a fourth year. Whoever nabs Fowler can expect to add a solid outfielder to their club; he profiles as an ideal second hitter.