Rockies avoid arbitration by agreeing to a two-year deal with Dexter Fowler
DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies announced today that the club has avoided arbitration by agreeing to a two-year contract with outfielder Dexter Fowler. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, per club policy.
Fowler, 26, was a member of the Rockies Opening Day roster for the fourth-straight season in 2012, though last season was Fowler's first to spend the entire season in the Majors. The Atlanta, GA native hit .300 (136-for-454) with 18 doubles, 11 triples, 13 home runs, 53 RBI and 72 runs in 143 games for Colorado in 2012. Fowler set career-high marks in games, hits, home runs, RBI and batting average in 2012. The switch-hitter batted .315 (45-for-143) with 3 home runs and 14 RBI from the right side and .293 (91-for-311) with 10 home runs and 39 RBI from the left side. Fowler owns the Rockies career triples record with his 50 career three-baggers. Additionally, his 50 triples since 2009 are the most in the Major Leagues.
Fowler has spent his entire professional career with Colorado after the club drafted him in the 14th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. In 548 career Major League games, Fowler has hit .271 (497-for-1833) with 102 doubles, 50 triples, 28 home runs, 168 RBI and 305 runs.
The Rockies have a full 40-man roster.