In one of the most surprising moves of the MLB offseason, Dexter Fowler signed a one-year contract on Thursday to remain with the Chicago Cubs. The deal was announced after multiple reports claimed Fowler had signed with the Baltimore Orioles.
Where did those reports come from?
Fowler’s agent, Casey Close, released a statement shortly after Fowler re-signed with the Cubs blasting the Orioles and the media for the way they handled the negotiations.
“In my 25 years in this business, never before have I witnessed such irresponsible behavior on so many fronts,” Close said, per Steve Adams of MLBTradeRumors.com. “Both the Orioles front office and members of the media were so busy recklessly spreading rumors that they forgot or simply chose not to concern themselves with the truth. The Orioles’ willful disregard of collectively bargained rules governing free agency and the media’ eager complicity in helping the Orioles violate those rules are reprehensible. Dexter Fowler never reached agreement with the Orioles and did not come close to signing with the club; any suggestion otherwise is only a continuation of an already disturbing trend.”
Orioles vice president and GM Dan Duquette said Baltimore made a “very competitive offer” and that no deal came together because Fowler insisted on an opt-out clause.
The Orioles’ contract with another player was on hold earlier this week over medical concerns, so you could say this has been a hectic month for their front office.
