Chicago Cubs provided great moments to fans in 2016

Dexter Fowler re-signs with the Cubs

Since the trade that brought Dexter Fowler to the Chicago Cubs, he became the engine that ran the Porsche that was the Cubs’ offense.

In 2015, when Fowler struggled so did the offense. When he was on, the offense was a well-oiled machine.

After leading the Cubs to the National League Championship Series, the prevailing thought was that Fowler would take his talents elsewhere. He could demand a lot of money, more than what the Cubs could pay.

The Cubs had Albert Almora who was just about ready to take over at center field. Perhaps he needed another season in the minors, but he was the future.

In late February, Fowler was still unsigned. It appeared he finally had a multi-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, but nothing was official. The Cubs swooped in when Baltimore refused to give Fowler an opt-out clause.

Fowler signed a one year deal with the Cubs, and the Cubs have an option for next season. He kept the deal quiet until he showed up to training camp to tell all his teammates.

“This is where my heart is… It’s like walking back to the house and you haven’t been home in like 10 years,” he said.

The players were shocked when they saw Fowler. So were Cubs fans. The signing allowed Jason Heyward, who signed a monster contract, to move to his natural right field.

The signing also gave the Cubs another chance to get the offense flowing through Fowler. That is exactly what happened. He hit .276/.393/.447, and his OPS+ was 126. He also earned his first All Star berth.

Fowler’s trip to the disabled list coincided with the Cubs’ mid-season swoon. Again, as Fowler went, so did the offense.

Hopefully, Fowler can help the Cubs finish the job they started in 2015. After that, the Cubs have to decide whether to take that option.