Dexter Fowler to Cardinals: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Outfielder Dexter Fowler agreed to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, as first reported by USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

The deal is for five years and $82.5 million, including a full no-trade clause, per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports on Friday. 

Frank Cusumano of KSDK Sports in St. Louis reported a physical is scheduled for Friday.

Fowler, 30, was a crucial member of the Chicago Cubs as they won their first World Series title since 1908, hitting .276 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, 84 runs and 13 stolen bases in 125 regular-season games. He was solid in the postseason as well, hitting .250 with three home runs, six RBI, 11 runs and a stolen base in 17 games.

But the Cubs are loaded in the outfield, with Kyle Schwarber, Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and Albert Almora Jr. available. Heyward and Almora are capable of manning center field duties, so re-signing Fowler was never likely to be a priority for the reigning champions.

That allowed St. Louis to snag Fowler, who should not only improve the team's defense but also provide consistent production toward the top of the lineup. Additionally, his postseason experience will be valued in the clubhouse.

"

I look pretty good in red pic.twitter.com/rKklmXZsNH

— Dexter Fowler (@DexterFowler) December 9, 2016"

Fowler was a key ingredient in the Cubs' title-winning season. Now, the Cardinals will be hoping he's the addition that puts them over the top as they seek another championship themselves.

One of the primary areas of need for the Cardinals was an upgrade in center field, so Fowler will check off that box. Fowler's signing should also fan the flames of the team's heated rivalry with the Cubs, and his addition makes the Cardinals a threat in the NL Central.

Fowler's signing won't be as flashy as some of the other names out there, but he was exactly what the Cardinals needed this offseason.