Los Angeles Angels get paid to take on Dexter Fowler

The Los Angeles Angels were in need of an outfielder heading into the 2021 season. While Jo Adell may be the future in right for Los Angeles, he is in obvious need of more time in the minors. This left the Angels in a difficult situation as they sought to find the correct fit this late in the offseason.

The Cardinals came to the Angels aid Thursday night. They essentially paid Los Angeles to take Dexter Fowler off their hands, sending all but $1.75 million of his salary to the Angels.

Considered to be a key addition for the Cardinals when he signed a five year, $82.5 million contract prior to the 2017 season, Fowler was never really a fit in St. Louis. He clashed with then manager Mike Matheny, and continued to struggle even when Matheny was fired.

Fowler’s time in St. Louis may not have been a disaster, but it was certainly disappointing. He produced a .233/.334/.408 batting line with 49 homers and 58 doubles in his 1500 plate appearances, drawing 185 walks while striking out 346 times.

With his departure, the Cardinals are presumably set to have an outfield of Harrison Bader, Dylan Carlson, and Tyler O’Neill. While there may be questions as to how much that trio will produce offensively, they would provide St. Louis with an elite defensive outfield. If they can even hit at close to a league average rate, the Cardinals would take that.

Meanwhile, the Angels get a stopgap in the outfield until either Adell or Brandon Marsh are ready to take over. It is possible that a reunion with manager Joe Maddon will help Fowler return to his previous form. Likewise, Fowler’s ability to get on base could provide Los Angeles with another weapon atop the lineup, especially if Maddon can work his magic.

The Los Angeles Angels are getting paid to find out. Dexter Fowler is heading out west, as the Cardinals are paying the Angels to take him on.