During the same week in which some Cubs will be recognized for their individual achievements, team executives will continue to sculpt their 2017 roster.
Free agent center fielder Dexter Fowler, as expected, declined the Cubs' one-year qualifying offer of $17.2 million. The Cubs will receive a compensation pick in the 2017 draft as long as Fowler signs elsewhere.
Fowler, 30, who set a career-high with a .393 on-base percentage in 125 games, is expected to receive a multi-year offer, with the rival Cardinals, Giants, Mariners and Rangers among his projected suitors.
The Cubs have options in the likely event they don't re-sign Fowler. Albert Almora could take over in center field if Gold Glove right fielder Jason Heyward shifts over, with Jorge Soler or Ben Zobrist taking over in right.
The Cubs also must finalize their 40-man roster by Friday night. They currently have 34 players on their roster, but could leave a few spots open in the event they add a player through free agency or trade.
Catcher Victor Caratini, outfielder Jacob Hannemann and pitcher Duane Underwood Jr. are among those who would be exposed to the Rule 5 draft if not placed on the 40-man roster. But Hannemann, 25, a third-round pick in the 2013 draft out of Brigham Young, batted only .247 to go with 26 stolen bases in only 74 games at Double-A Tennessee.
Underwood, 22, a second-round pick in the 2012 draft out of Pope High School in Marietta, Ga., was limited to 18 starts and was a combined 0-6 with a 4.32 ERA at four minor league levels. Underwood pitched in only two games in the Arizona Fall League, allowing six runs on eight hits in six innings.
Eligible players who aren't protected on the 40-man roster could be subject to the Rule 5 draft on Dec. 8 at the Winter Meetings in National Harbor, Md.
