KC Royals: Remaining Free Agent Outfield Options

Dexter Fowler: Age 29

Dexter Fowler is probably the best remaining free agent outfield option. That doesn’t mean he’s the best fit for the team.

Personally, I would love to see Dexter Fowler in a Royals uniform next season. He hit 17 home runs last season and stole twenty bases. He possesses the speed to put pressure on opposing defenses if he can learn to become a contact hitter. While I’d welcome the addition I don’t see it happening.

The problem with Dexter Fowler is likely his price tag. He’s only 29 years old and probably wants a multi-year deal. If teams are hesitant and he’s looking to prove something, the Royals may be able to convince him to take a one-year deal a la Ervin Santana.

Dexter Fowler does strikeout a lot more than you’d like to see with 154 swings and misses in 2015. Maybe a new, contact happy approach would help him reduce the whiffs. While he does swing and miss a fair amount, he does something else at the plate that the Royals could benefit from. He draws walks.

Fowler’s defense in center wasn’t great, but perhaps a move to right field and the tutelage of Rusty Kuntz could improve his defensive production

Fowler’s on-base percentage last season was nearly 100 points higher than his batting average at .346. He drew 68 walks against right handed pitching last year. That gave him an OBP of .331 compared to a .228 batting average from the left side of the plate.

Fowler also crushes left handed pitching. He slashed .328/.399/.467 against lefties last season. A lot has been made of the Royals’ struggles with left handed pitchers so Fowler might help quell that.

Fowler’s defense in center wasn’t great, but perhaps a move to right field and the tutelage of Rusty Kuntz could improve his defensive production. He’s young enough and athletic enough to handle right field and dangerous enough with the bat to be a big addition for the Royals.

Next: Another Potential Reunion?