PIRATES PICK UP OF DUSTIN FOWLER
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired outfielder Dustin Fowler from the Oakland Athletics for cash.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates could have an opening in the outfield this season, so Fowler stands a chance to play regularly in 2021. He can play all three outfield positions, so look for Fowler to compete for the center field job in spring training. He is an underrated pickup for a Pittsburgh team that needs more overall talent.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
The Athletics felt comfortable with their current group of outfielders, so they decided Fowler was expendable and designated him for assignment recently. With Fowler gone, the likes of Ramon Laureano, Mark Canha and Stephen Piscotty may have firmer grips on starting jobs in the outfield.
Fantasy impact
Fowler enters '21 as a fantasy sleeper, since he belted 25 home runs in 130 games at Triple-A Las Vegas in 2019. He also hit six round trippers with the A's in the previous campaign, so he is someone to watch closely this spring.
