Fowler takes $82.5 million deal from Cardinals

Dexter Fowler is headed from the World Series champions to their biggest rival.

After helping the Chicago Cubs end their long championship drought, the 30-year-old outfielder finalized an $82.5 million, five-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.

Fowler fills the last big hole left in the Cardinals lineup after moves made earlier to shore up the bullpen.

“It was an honor just to be considered,” said Fowler, who will wear No. 25 in honor of his mentor, Barry Bonds, because his usual 24 is retired by the Cardinals.

Fowler was also a free agent a year ago, when he spurned a $33 million, three-year offer from Baltimore, who refused to offer an opt-out after one year, and signed a $13 million, one-year deal with the Cubs.

He hit .276 with 13 homers and a career-best .393 on-base percentage that landed him in his first All-Star Game.

In the fold: Closer Fernando Rodney and the Arizona Diamondbacks finalized a $2.75 million, one-year contract that allows him to earn an additional $4 million in performance bonuses.

Rodney was an all-star for the third time this year, saving 25 games in 28 chances with San Diego and Miami, which acquired him on June 30.

While he had a 0.31 ERA for the Padres and was perfect in all 17 chances, his ERA climbed to 5.89 in 39 games with the Marlins.

Rodney, who turns 40 on March 18, has 261 saves and a 3.69 ERA in 14 major league seasons.