Cubs extend qualifying offer to OF Dexter Fowler

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have extended a $15.8 million qualifying offer to center fielder Dexter Fowler.

Acquired in a trade with Houston last winter, Fowler shook off a slow start to help Chicago win 97 games and reach the NL Championship Series. He hit .250 with 17 homers and finished fourth in the NL with a career-high 102 runs.

By making the offer, the Cubs would receive an extra selection at the end of the first round if Fowler signs a major league contract with another club before the amateur draft in June.

The Cubs also claimed reliever Ryan Cook off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

The 28-year-old right-hander is 13-12 with 17 saves and a 3.43 ERA in 217 relief appearances for Arizona (2011), Oakland (2012-15) and Boston (2015).

Cook had an 18.69 ERA in nine appearances for Oakland and Boston last year. He split most of the season between Triple-A affiliates after being slowed by injuries in 2014.