The makeover of the Cubs’ lineup took an interesting turn Monday with the addition of centerfielder Dexter Fowler.
The Cubs acquired Fowler from the Astros in exchange for infielder Luis Valbuena and right-handed pitcher Dan Straily.
Fowler will give the Cubs a much-needed boost in on-base percentage. His .375 OBP last season would have been second only to Anthony Rizzo in 2014.
Fowler, 28, is a switch hitter with a .271 career batting average. He posted a .276/.375/.399 slash line last season, his first in Houston. He spent the six previous years with the Rockies.
His defensive value is suspect (noted by all the negative values in his advanced metrics on FanGraphs), but his bat would no doubt be an improvement at the top of the Cubs’ lineup.
Fowler told MLB.com that he’s excited about the move.
Fowler tells http://t.co/mDPUQEnB97: "I'm excited. I envisioned myself when I first went to Astros help young guys and see what comes."
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) January 19, 2015
Fowler: "It's tough leaving my teammates and relationships I've built, but going to a young team like that is awesome."
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) January 19, 2015
Valbuena, 29, hit .249 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI in 149 games with the Cubs last season. He spent three seasons with the Cubs.
Straily. who the Cubs acquired in the trade deadline move that sent Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to Oakland, made seven appearances for the Cubs and allowed 20 runs in 13 2/3 innings.
