Outfielder Dexter Fowler agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday to stay with the team.
According to MLB.com, the deal is for one year and $8 million. It also includes a $9 million option for 2017 and a $5 million buyout. The Cubs had offered Fowler a $15.8 million qualifying offer in November. However, he turned down that offer.
The Cubs re-signing Fowler is a surprise since he reportedly signed a three-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles earlier this week. The deal was never announced and was pending a physical. The Cubs would have gotten a compensatory draft pick if the deal had gone through.
In addition to the Cubs, Fowler has also played for the Colorado Rockies and the Houston Astros. Last year he hit .250 and had 17 homeruns, which is a career high, and had 46 RBIs, according to ESPN. He did strike out 154 times as well, which is also a career-high. He is a .267 hitter with 114 steals in his eight-year career.
The Cubs placed left-handed pitcher Zac Rosscup on the 60-day disabled list due to inflammation of his left shoulder to make room on the roster for Fowler. The Cubs also traded outfielder Chris Coghlan to the Oakland Athletics for right-handed pitcher Aaron Brooks on Thursday.