CHICAGO -- Only the Chicago Cubs could potentially let a catalyst like center fielder Dexter Fowler leave via free agency and still be considered a favorite to repeat as world champions.

That’s a testament to how deep they’ve become now that Albert Almora Jr. and Willson Contreras have taken the next steps in their careers, not to mention the improvement of co-NLCS MVP Javier Baez. “Freaky” is how one longtime National League Central scout labeled the Cubs' depth.

But that doesn’t mean that if Fowler left, it wouldn’t be a tough loss to stomach at the top of Chicago’s lineup.

Is there an avenue for Fowler to return, or is the smart move for the Cubs to spend that money elsewhere?

“We’ll keep talking to his agent,” Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said on ESPN 1000 in Chicago on Friday. “We have a great relationship with him. He’s had two great years with us. If something works out to bring him back, that would be great.”

A commitment to Dexter Fowler would tie up the Cubs' payroll and bank on him being productive into his mid-30s. David Kohl/USA TODAY Sports

Unlike last offseason, Fowler shouldn’t have to wait until the last minute to sign a contract. His .393 on-base percentage and great reputation in the locker room are attractive to several teams. It also doesn’t hurt to hit a World Series Game 7 home run and show defensive improvements before hitting the market. And then there’s the difference between last winter -- when pitchers and big-name stars gobbled up the money early in the offseason -- and this one, with Fowler about as attractive as any other player available.

“He cut us a break last year, came back to us on a one-year deal,” Hoyer said. “He put his money where his mouth is. It’s a good lesson for everyone. He bet on himself and bet on being involved in something special. Something he can be really proud of.”

Hoyer went on to say that baseball front offices do a good job of looking into their future, as everyone knows years ahead of time when players will become free agents. That works for players, as well -- Fowler bet on himself knowing that a weak free-agent class was coming, and he was right.

One longtime agent thinks Fowler will get a minimum of four years and $60 million, while ESPN's Jim Bowden estimates Fowler cashing in for upward of five years and $80 million. The Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets have shown interest in the 30-year-old, according to league sources.

Should the Cubs do what it takes to keep him? Let’s examine both options.

Fowler stays

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If the Cubs ante up for Fowler, they’ll have to open up space in an outfield with too many bodies, especially with the return of Kyle Schwarber and the emergence of Baez at second base. Jason Heyward has seven years remaining on his deal, Ben Zobrist is signed for three more years, while Jorge Soler is also locked up and Almora appears ready for more playing time.

This kind of depth would be a good problem to have, though, and with Fowler in the fold, others would become expendable. Perhaps Almora becomes a centerpiece in a deal for young pitching. Or maybe it’s Baez. At this point, Soler would be a complementary piece, but it’s safe to assume he can be had in the right trade.

A commitment to Fowler would tie up the Cubs’ payroll and bank on him being productive into his mid-30s. The Cubs are already doing that with Zobrist and will eventually do so with Heyward, but outside of the core young players, was there anyone more valuable than Fowler in 2016?

Fowler leaves

Here’s the crazy thing: The Cubs can replace a lot of what Fowler brings to the table. On paper, at least. The switch-hitting Zobrist can lead off just fine -- he had a .386 on-base percentage with 96 walks to just 82 strikeouts in 2016. He won’t necessarily be an every-day player in Chicago’s crowded lineup, but that’s OK, because at 36 years old and coming off back-to-back seven-month seasons, he doesn’t need to start 140-150 games.

When a tough righty is on the mound or Baez needs a breather, Zobrist can still play second base. When the Cubs are up against a dominant lefty, he can play left or right for Schwarber or Heyward. There’s no reason to think Heyward can't play center -- he was ready to in 2016 before Fowler returned -- opening right field for Zobrist. Almora doesn’t have to be left out of the mix as he starts games as well, perhaps against lefties, which could move around the deck chairs some more without Fowler. If anyone can make it work, it’s manager Joe Maddon.

Which way will the Cubs go?

Keeping Fowler would bring the obvious pluses, starting with what he does at the top of the order and in the clubhouse.

“A lot of our vibe was created by what Dexter did for us,” Hoyer said.

Letting Fowler walk would create a more subtle advantage. It would refresh the Cubs' payroll while allowing Almora to grow into the job. It would keep the Cubs young and nimble from both a payroll and player standpoint.

Fowler leaving via free agency is still the most likely scenario, and that’s one reason the Cubs are kicking the tires on veteran fourth- and fifth-outfielder types, according to sources, to help replace some veteran leadership on the back end of the roster.

The Cubs are in a good situation no matter which path they choose, but it’s hard not to want the popular Fowler back for a return engagement.

“Absolutely,” Hoyer said. “We’d love to have him back.”