5 reasons why Fowler is in high demand

The embers of the Hot Stove free-agent market are just beginning to flicker, but it will be heating up soon enough as teams finalize their wish lists for 2017.

Several teams will be faced with tough decisions on whether to re-invest in a star player with a lucrative new contract. One of those decisions rests with the World Series champion Cubs and the man who ignited the top of their lineup, Dexter Fowler.

A useful player in Colorado and Houston, Fowler blossomed into a star over the past two seasons with Chicago, culminating with his leadoff home run in Game 7 of the World Series, which helped propel the Cubs past the Indians to their first championship in 108 years. Fowler will turn 31 in March and is hitting the free-agent market at the peak of his value potential. That means Chicago will likely have to pay much more to keep Fowler than last offseason, when the center fielder spurned a potential offer from the Orioles at the last minute to sign a one-year contract with the Cubs at a hometown discount.

Coming off a career year, here’s a look at five statistics from Fowler’s recent history that could predict his 2017 performance for whichever team is fortunate enough to sign him:

Setting the table No leadoff hitter was as adept as Fowler at setting the table last year. His .393 on-base percentage was best among Major League hitters with at least 500 plate appearances atop the lineup, as were his 79 walks. Fowler’s 2016 performance …

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