When the Cubs acquired Dexter Fowler from the Astros they knew his 2015 salary would be a big one and sure enough the two sides have now avoided arbitration for $9.5 million.
Fowler requested $10.8 million and the Cubs countered at $8.5 million, so they’re settling slightly below the midpoint after giving up Dan Straily and Luis Valbuena for the 30-year-old switch-hitter.
Fowler spent one season in Houston, hitting .276 with eight homers and a .774 OPS in 116 games, and will take over as Chicago’s everyday center fielder with free agency looming next offseason.