The Chicago Cubs' World Series victory Nov. 2 brought a championship not only to a slew of former Orioles -- including pitchers Jake Arrieta, Pedro Strop and Jason Hammel -- but also to an infamous almost-Oriole, outfielder Dexter Fowler.
Fowler, as O's fans know, shockingly backed out of his reported three-year, $35 million deal with the Orioles in February and re-signed with the Cubs for a one-year contract. Before he bolted, Fowler was expected to serve as the Orioles' leadoff hitter and right fielder, and -- based on how his 2016 season turned out -- he would've been perfect for both roles.
Fowler posted a .393 OBP for the Cubs, a mark that would've led the O's by a large margin among everyday players (Hyun Soo Kim posted a .383 OBP through 305 at-bats) . His 13 steals also would've led the Birds, and he contributed 13 homers and 48 RBIs as well. And although he's never started a major league game in right field, it's easy to imagine he would have been an upgrade over the Orioles' similarly out-of-place defenders at the position. Whatever the reason Fowler's deal with the Orioles fell apart, it was a significant loss for the club in 2016 -- and a successful decision for Fowler, who now has a World Series ring.
