Chicago Cubs: Creating the perfect lineup of the 2000s

Center Field: Dexter Fowler

Career Numbers with Chicago Cubs: 281 games, .261/.367/.427, 30 home runs, 94 RBI, 118 wRC+, 7.5 fWAR

Dexter Fowler did not spend a lot of time in Chicago, but boy did he make an impact. Fowler was one of the premier leadoff hitters in the MLB while he was with the Cubs, a strong defender in center field and a stable presence in the clubhouse.

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Fowler only spent two seasons with the Cubs, but he was fantastic in both of those seasons and was an incredibly important part of the World Series run in 2016. I mean, his leadoff home run in Game 7 definitely didn’t hurt either. Plus, it’s not like there was a lot of worthy competition for this spot. Fowler was the obvious choice for center field.

Honorable Mention: Corey Patterson

Ahh, Corey Patterson, the Chicago Cubs superstar who never was. Once considered a top-tier five-tool prospect with a ridiculously high ceiling, Patterson was never able to put it all together in Chicago.

Patterson was an incredibly athletic player who had obvious upside in the outfield and on the basepaths. He also had a sweet swing from the left side of the plate and a ton of natural power. Unfortunately, injuries and consistent contact issues derailed Patterson’s career and he never reached anything close to his full potential.

Other Players of Note: Marlon Byrd and Ian Happ