Dexter Fowler’s return to the Cubs came as such a surprise that even his Chicago teammates had no idea.
Fowler agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal with the Cubs Thursday, hours after reports surfaced saying he was set to become an Oriole.
But like everyone else, Fowler’s teammates were left in the dark.
Watch Fowler surprise his teammates Thursday at the Cubs’ spring training facility in Mesa, Arizona.
Dexter Fowler is BACK with the #Cubs. Theo/Jed surprise team during meeting. Wow. pic.twitter.com/UBVbeB2mlh — Ryan McGuffey (@RyanMcGuffey) February 25, 2016
Teammate Anthony Rizzo told reporters Thursday that he sent Fowler a text Wednesday wishing him luck in Baltimore.
Fowler says Rizzo wished him luck YESTERDAY with Balt. Fowler held off telling until he arrived at the park and walked onto the mound
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 25, 2016
Even after Fowler walked out on to the field, not everyone understood what was happening. According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, catcher David Ross gave Fowler a hug and said “good luck” in Baltimore.
When Ross saw Fowler suddenly show up on field, "I didn't know what to think. 'Did he come to say bye?'"
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 25, 2016
B4 Fowler's big entrance, Maddon said team going to have a “moment.” Hammel "thought for sure it was some circus animal or weird magician.”
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 25, 2016
After declining Chicago’s qualifying offer of more than $15 million in November, Fowler took less money to return to the Cubs this time around, citing a desire to win.
Fowler: “Exciting time to be a Cub. I do live in Vegas, and you see up there all the time,`Cubs 4-1 [odds]’ Definitely a good time to win.”
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 25, 2016
Theo on Fowler: “He decided to go for the fit over the money, and we’re extremely appreciative of that. It means a lot.”
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 25, 2016
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 25, 2016
Fowler, who is expected to take over duties in center field, batted .250 last season and posted career highs in home runs (17), hits (149), runs (102) and games played (150).
Cubs spring training photos
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Stats via Baseball-Reference