Dexter Fowler’s Impact On The Chicago Cubs Revival

The Colorado Rockies parted ways with outfielder Dexter Fowler after the 2013 season and he was none too pleased. Colorado, in return, received right-hander Jordan Lyles and outfielder Brandon Barnes from the Houston Astros. I was pretty shocked by the trade right away but Colorado gave up on the switch-hitting Fowler too quick — mainly due to inconsistency and injury.

Fast-forward two years later and Dexter Fowler is getting his chance to shine — in the playoffs as well. After spending one season with the Astros, he was then traded to the revamped Chicago Cubs who were hungry to return to the playoffs. That move paid off for them as Fowler had himself quite the season out of the leadoff spot.

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Fowler appeared in 156 games this season for Chicago — the most in his eight-year career. He provided power and the ability to drive in runs from atop their order. Dexter was also very patient at the plate this season. Worth noting: Fowler walked 84 times this season — 16 more than his career-highs in 2011 and 2012 in which he walked 68 times a piece.

Fowler slugged at a line of .250/.346/.411 with 29 doubles, eight triples, 17 home runs and 46 RBI’s. Fowler also crossed home plate 102 times this season — another career-high for the 29-year-old.

Dexter played a key-role in Chicago’s return to the postseason, including their Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that game, Fowler went 3-for-4, including a solo home run off Gerrit Cole. Not to mention, he came around to score three out of their four runs. Chicago went on to win the game by the final score of 4-0.

As far as the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Dexter has struggled quite a bit, yet still found a way to score runs. The Atlanta Native went 3-for-16 (.188) in the series, including an RBI single in-game two.

Dexter has converted himself into quite the table-setter for the Cubs. I mean, he has players behind him such as Jorge Soler, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber and so forth. All he needs to do is get on and his teammates will do the rest.

The Cubs went on to defeat the Cardinals three games to one.

Next up for the Cubs: the National League Championship Series between either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers. Best of luck to Dexter and his Cubbies moving forward.