CUBS FETCH FOWLER FROM THE ASTROS
The Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Dexter Fowler from the Houston Astros for infielder Luis Valbuena and pitcher Dan Straily.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
This makes the Cubs more competitive for 2015 while taking some pressure off their youngsters for the longer term. Fowler is an established veteran who can bat near the top of the order, and he brings good defense to center field. The Cubs tried talented prospect {P Arismendy Alcantara} in center last season, but Fowler can be more of a stabilizing influence in both the lineup and outfield. Moving Valbuena opens up third base for top prospect {P Kris Bryant}, while shipping Straily out helps clarify a suddenly deep Cubs starting rotation.
What does it give the Houston Astros
The Astros save some money here by sending Fowler to the Cubs, while bolstering both their infield and starting rotation depth. Houston and Fowler weren't seeing eye-to-eye on arbitration numbers, and clearly decided they could afford to lose him depth-wise (as they have several talented up-and-comers who can play center field, including {P Jake Marisnick}, {P George Springer} and {P Robbie Grossman}). Expect Valbuena to push {P Matt Dominguez} for starts at third base, with Straily providing depth at the back of the starting rotation.
Fantasy impact
Fowler arriving in the Windy City has significant fantasy implications for several highly-touted Cubs prospects. Not only does he likely push Alcantara into more of a platoon/utility role, Alcantara's move probably steals some at-bats from the likes of {P Javier Baez} (who's now at second base) and shortstop prospect {P Addison Russell} (who isn't in the majors yet, but is expected to be soon). The departure of Valbuena is great news for Bryant's fantasy fortunes, although the Cubs still have several players who can hold down third until he's ready (with {P Mike Olt} likely the frontrunner after serving as Valbuena's top backup last season). In Houston, expect Marisnick to start regularly along with Springer and Grossman in an underrated young outfield, while Valbuena steals at-bats at the hot corner from still-promising (but free-swinging) Dominguez. Strikeout pitcher Straily is the sleeper of this deal, in that he probably has a better chance at starts with the Astros than with the Cubs (but needs to rein in his command first).
