The Cubs and Astros struck a trade yesterday, sending Dexter Fowler to the Cubs for pitcher Dan Straily and infielder Luis Valbuena. It appears to be a move that can help both teams, seeing as they both figure to compete in 2015.
Cubs
This move for the Cubs shows that they may not be ready to start Arismendy Alcantara in center on opening day. They chose instead to acquire one of the best hitting center fielders in the league. Fowler gives the club a true leadoff hitter, as his .375 OBP last season ranked 15th in the majors.
The hype for the Cubs off-season will only increase with this move. They traded a pitcher they don’t necessarily need and an infielder that opens the door for Kris Bryant to start in 2015. Hard not to like the move.
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Astros
Acquiring Straily and Valbuena was a good return for the Astros, considering that Fowler will be a free agent after the season and was unlikely to re-sign. The biggest thing this deal does is adds competition at two roster spots.
Straily made his major league debut with the A’s in 2012, where he had a 3.89 ERA in 7 starts. In his first full season in 2013, he really made a name for himself in the the A’s rotation, with a 3.95 ERA in 27 starts, finishing 4th in Rookie of the Year voting.
He added a run to his ERA in his 7 starts with Oakland in 2014, but he still pitched adequately. After being traded to the Cubs in the Jeff Samardzija deal, Straily was used as a reliever, where he really struggled.
With the trade of Mike Foltynewicz to the Braves, the 5th starter spot is up for grabs in Houston. The battle will likely center on Straily and top prospect Mark Appel, who may be ready for the big leagues after a dominating performance in the Arizona Fall League. The edge probably goes to Straily, who should be able to return to his 2012-2013 numbers if given a chance to start games.
Straily will need to prove he belongs throughout the year, or Appel could take his spot. Brad Peacock also figures to be a part of the rotation at some point, but he’ll likely be injured to start the year. At the very least, acquiring the former Athletic is a good starting pitching depth move for the Astros.
2014 was the first year that Luis Valbuena has had over 400 at bats in his seven years in the big leagues. He really showed what he can do, smacking 16 home runs and 33 doubles, while also walking 65 times. His .776 OPS ranked 50th in the Majors, ahead of Fowler.
Valbuena figures to battle incumbent starter Matt Dominguez for the starting third base job. Due to his more patient approach at the plate, it would be surprising if Valbuena doesn’t secure the starting position. If not at third base, he could also fill in at second or in the outfield in the event of an injury. Acquiring the Venezuelan lefthanded hitter provides a lot of versatility to the Astros.