Dexter Fowler's agent, Casey Close, leveled an attack against the Orioles on Thursday after a reported agreement between his client and the team fell through.
"In my 25 years in this business, never before have I witnessed such irresponsible behavior on so many fronts," Close said in a statement. "Both the Orioles front office and the media were so busy recklessly spreading rumors that they forgot, or simply chose not to concern themselves with the truth. The Orioles' willful disregard of collectively bargained rules governing free agency and the media's eager complicity in helping the Orioles violate those rules are reprehensible.
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"Dexter Fowler never reached an agreement with the Orioles and did not come close to signing with the club, any suggestion otherwise is a continuation of an already disturbing trend."
It was reported Tuesday by a number of media outlets that Fowler had agreed to a three-year, $35 million contract with the Orioles. But Thursday morning, Fowler inked a one-year deal to re-sign with the Cubs, spurning the Orioles altogether.
Many people were stunned, and Fowler was starting to receive backlash for supposedly backing out of an agreement. But it's clear Close does not believe that was the case.
The Orioles also had some trouble with starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo. The free agent hurler originally agreed to a three-year, $35 million deal just like Fowler, but concerns arose over his shoulder.
Baltimore then stalled and ultimately signed Gallardo to a two-year, $22 million deal with an option for a third year.
Orioles GM Dan Duquette responded to the accusations Thursday night.
Duquette on Close statement; "If the player takes less money to sign with another team that's his own choice." #orioles
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) February 25, 2016
Duquette on Close statement: "What is he going to say now? That it's not about the money?" #orioles
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) February 25, 2016
More Duquette on Close statement: "His job is to represent his player." #orioles
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) February 25, 2016
Duquette re: Fowler: "We were sincere in our efforts to sign the player." #orioles
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) February 26, 2016
Whatever happened, the end result was good for the Cubs, who are trying to make it to the World Series for the first time since 1945.