Unable to find a trade that would satisfy their need and their wants, the Cardinals upped their offer to Dexter Fowler and hope to finalize a deal with him shortly, sources told the Post-Dispatch.
Fowler arrived in St. Louis on Thursday night for a physical that will complete the deal.
Sources described the Cardinals' offer as significant and that it had to be upped in recent days to make it happen with the switch-hitting center fielder who last played with the Cubs.
The deal could stretch them to five years and around $80 million. The Cardinals would be taking the ignition switch from their rivals' lineup just as a year ago the Cubs signed former Cardinals Jason Heyward and John Lackey. Fowler's contract could also signal a pivot for the Cardinals that makes them a player for other free agents.
General manager John Mozeliak could not be reached for comment, having also returned to St. Louis, fresh from baseball's winter meetings. Mozeliak and his staff left Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md., shortly before 9 a.m. St. Louis time, and they did so empty handed. An attempt to trade for Adam Eaton was unsuccessful when Washington packaged three of his brightest prospects, including its top pitching prospect, to land the outfielder from the Chicago White Sox. Asking prices soared. Colorado wanted a haul for center fielder Charlie Blackmon.
A news conference is planned for Friday by the team if there's a deal.
When he signs, the switch-hitting Fowler, 30, would lead off for the Cardinals and make it possible for Matt Carpenter to move down in the order.
Fowler and Carpenter were No. 1 and No. 2 in the majors, respectively, when it comes to on-base percentage from the leadoff spot. Both had OBP better than .380.
Fowler averaged .276 with a .393 on-base percentage and a .447 slugging percentage for the Cubs in 2016, his first season as an All-Star. He hit 13 homers, totaled 48 RBIs and stole 13 bases. Fowler's nine-year career has seen him play with the Rockies, Astros and Cubs and produce a career slash line of .268/.366/.422.
Fowler rejected a qualifying offer from the Cubs after he helped the club win its first World Series since 1908. It was reported earlier in the week that Toronto had offered Fowler a four-year deal worth $60 million.
