OPINION: The Chicago Cubs Never Found a Replacement for Dexter Fowler

A key member of the 2016 World Series champion Chicago Cubs announced his retirement Tuesday morning. 36-year-old outfielder Dexter Fowler is hanging up his cleats after 14 years in the show.

Fowler played a pivotal role on the Cubs' World Series championship team in 2016. As the club's everyday lead-off hitter, he set the table for the club day in and day out, posting a remarkable .393 On Base Percentage, a career high.

The Cubs did not re-sign Fowler upon the conclusion of the season, as Fowler signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the rival St. Louis Cardinals. Since his departure, the Cubs have not found a player to replicate his production in the lead-off spot.

Kyle Schwarber opened the 2017 season as the Cubs' lead-off hitter. After slashing .190/.312/.693 in the spot, he was initially dropped down in the batting order, and eventually, sent down to Triple-A. Jon Jay (.325 OBP) and Ben Zobrist (.330 OBP) saw the most amount of action in the lead-off spot, but neither came close to matching Fowler's output.

In 2018, the Cubs had Ian Happ to open the season in the lead-off spot. He eventually was moved out of the lead-off position after slashing .222/.311/.682 in 13 games.

It was in 2018 when the Cubs may have gotten the most out of the lead-off spot since Fowler's departure. Albert Almora Jr. batted .333 with a .368 On Base Percentage in 46 games, but for whatever reason, did not remain in the lead-off spot. Anthony Rizzo excelled in the one hole as well, posting a .328 Batting Average and .428 OBP.

In 2019, Schwarber (.304) and Jason Heyward (.252) saw the most amount of action in the lead-off spot, but neither delivered much.

Losing Fowler seemed to be the first domino that fell for the Cubs, after winning their historic championship. Their offense began steadily regressing, and the front office never found a long-term solution in the lead-off spot. By mid-2021, the Cubs broke up their core, and started fresh, beginning a rebuild.

Fowler's contributions in 2016 cannot be overstated. He was essential to the club's success.

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