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 is en route to St. Louis for what's presumed to be a physical.
If he signs, the 30-year-old switch-hitting Fowler would be a leadoff candidate who would make it possible for Matt Carpenter to move down in the order.
Fowler averaged .276 with a 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.
