Outfielder Dexter Fowler tries on his new jersey for reporters after being introduced by Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on December 9, 2016. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Just a day after General Manager John Mozeliak left baseball’s winter meetings saying the club didn’t need to have the roster in place before Christmas, the Cardinals and Fowler agreed to terms. The numbers haven’t been confirmed, but one report sited five years in the $80-$90 million range.

Mozeliak said that Fowler was their number one target as soon as the season ended, but had to play his cards close to the vest in case things didn’t work out and he needed to go to a plan B at the Winter Meetings.

Manager Mike Matheny says having a switch hitter at the top of the order gives him a lot of flexibility with the lineup.  Matheny would not disclose who the number two hitter would be.

Matt Carpenter had 2,205 of his 3,016 career plate appearances have come from the leadoff spot. Batting second was his second most popular spot in the order, but a distant second with only 510 appearance in the two-hole.

Listen to the entire press conference: (26:00)