CHICAGO — Ian Stewart couldn’t pull it off, dissolving before the Rockies’ eyes last season with no home runs. Jhoulys Chacin lost his shot when his weight became an issue last winter and his right pectoral muscle left his fingers numb.

So that leaves Dexter Fowler as the next big thing in line for the next big contract. The Rockies are expected to offer Fowler a multiyear contract this winter. The chances of a deal getting done increased, even if only slightly, when Fowler left agent Scott Boras, known for his hard-line approach, for Casey Close three weeks ago. Fowler talked highly of Boras, but said Close made more sense for him at this juncture in his career.

Boras is the best agent in baseball at getting big contracts. And he’s not opposed to doing deals in the arbitration years as seen in his record-breaking work for the Rockies’ Carlos Gonzalez (seven years, $80 million) and his three-year, $14.4 million contract for the Rangers’ Elvis Andrus.

His strength, however, is creating and defining markets in free agency. No one is better. Fowler, as a Super Two player over last winter, has three years remaining in salary arbitration. The Rockies’ model for deals at this point in a player’s career is to give the player guaranteed money and get a club option or two in free agency. Examples include deals given to Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez, Brad Hawpe and Manny Corpas.

The Rockies expect Fowler’s camp now to be more receptive to an offer.

“I am not thinking about any of that right now,” Fowler said. “I like it here, but it’s not something on my mind.”

Close also is highly regarded, representing Derek Jeter and Ryan Howard, among others. While starting the conversation might be easier, there’s no indication that Fowler will be any cheaper. If he doesn’t relinquish a free agent year or two, a deal is unlikely.

To his credit, the 26-year-old has never lost confidence, leaving him prepared to go year to year in arbitration if necessary, his skin thickened by three-plus seasons of dramatic highs and lows.

Part of me believes the Rockies should wait until next year’s all-star break to reward Fowler, seeing if he can duplicate his breakthrough season. However, Fowler has done everything right to be a core player — becoming more coachable, tightening his right (.313)-left (.304) splits and working out relentlessly in the offseason.

And there are not many center fielders capable of covering the vast terrain at Coors Field as well as Fowler does, while delivering power (37 extra-base hits) and patience (.392 on-base percentage).

The argument against providing a guaranteed deal is that Fowler hasn’t shown enough, that the security could keep him from realizing his potential. That’s fair. But being around him this season, he’s different. He’s more mature, more measured and more comfortable.

Fowler has delivered on the field. Will it translate to a long-term contract? The Rockies must throw out some numbers and find out.

Classico Rockies. Next spring a slice of the World Baseball Classic will be played at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz. There’s a strong chance that some of the highest profile Rockies will be involved at the club’s spring training home. Team USA wants shortstop Troy Tulo- witzki, who could share time with the Yankees’ Jeter. If Tulowitzki is to play in the WBC, the next six weeks become more critical. He needs to prove to himself and his team that his left groin is healthy and strong.

All-star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez is a cinch to play for Venezuela.

“They’d be (really upset) if I didn’t play,” Gonzalez said.

Wilin Rosario said he has been contacted to play for the Dominican Republic team. But he said he would only do it if he knew he was going to play extensively, like “three out of every five games.”

Footnotes. The Dodgers have added more than $300 million in contracts in roughly a month. … The American League Cy Young race is simmering. The Rays’ David Price is my choice, but the White Sox’s Chris Sale has not conceded anything. … As for the NL Cy Young, a case could be made for as many as 10 pitchers. With the Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg leaving the race early, will it create an avenue for the Reds’ Aroldis Chapman to win the award? … Former Dodgers and Padres star Steve Garvey reached out to me on Twitter recently, and said he believes that those caught cheating with PEDs should receive a two-year ban as a first penalty with a lifetime ban for a second offense.

Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1294, trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck

Spotlight on … Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees

Background: At age 38, Jeter has more in common with Mark Twain than Dale Sveum. He’s not nudging toward retirement or thinking about the possibility of coaching. Instead, reports of his death have been greatly exaggerated. He entered the weekend with a .364 on-base percentage and a baseball-best 169 hits. His .324 average ranked third in the American League. Think of the difficult time Todd Helton has endured this season — he turned 39 last week and plays first base, not shortstop — and it makes Jeter’s finishing kick even more impressive.

What’s up: Last week, an ESPN talking head questioned Jeter’s season, implying he was getting help through performance-enhancing drugs. It was irresponsible and reckless. Jeter being good is not suspicious. He’s marching toward 4,000 hits, with a .270 average in 2010 as the lone outlier on his résumé.

Renck’s take: For all of his accomplishments — Jeter has five World Series rings — the Yankees captain carries the title as best player never to win MVP honors. He had a compelling case in 2006, finishing second to Minnesota’s Justin Morneau when he was left off one writer’s ballot. Jeter’s argument this year is not as strong. Robinson Cano is the Yankees’ best player, and it’s becoming increasingly obvious that no one is better than the Angels’ Mike Trout. Jeter’s value is his consistency. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle is fond of saying “that if you want to be great, just be good for a long time.” That’s Jeter. He gets ripped for his defense and criticized for slumps. But in a spotlight that requires spf 50 sunblock, Jeter carries himself with class and grace. He stays out of trouble. All he wants to do is win — titles, not trophies for his shelf. In his 18th season, Jeter remains dangerous, a worthy accomplishment by itself.

THREE UP

1. Rays: Staff ERA through first 21 games this month was 1.89 with a .203 average against.

2. Mariners: Seattle has more wins than Boston? Yeah, totally saw that coming.

3. Giants: Sweep rival Dodgers on the road as their starters allow two runs in the series.

THREE DOWN

1. Astros: Entered the weekend with a 7-43 record over their last 50 games, one of the worst stretches in 80 years.

2. Indians: Not sure manager Manny Acta survives this collapse.

3. Mets: David Wright is lonelier than one shoe in this lineup.