Let’s Trade Dexter Fowler to…Tampa Bay Rays

Jun 14, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Dexter Fowler (21) gets an RBI double during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to “Trade Dexter Fowler Day!” Evan Gattis coming on to the Astros brings a surplus in two positions, depending on where he plays. It’s either in the OF with George Springer, Dexter Fowler, and Jake Marisnick penciled in to start there; or behind the plate with Jason Castro, Hank Conger, Carlos Corporan, and Max Stassi on the roster.

This leads many Astros fans to assume that more trades are on the way, and I’m right there with them. I’m also in agreement that we are likely to see Gattis take over in Left Field. While the rotation looks good based on their success last season, it is a new year, and there is no success guaranteed again. They could still use a more reliable ML-level starter. The bullpen looks to be a new strength with the acquisitions last month to finish out games, but you can never have too many solid arms in the bullpen. And that is where I want another upgrade to happen.

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I say Dexter Fowler gets traded to the Rays for Right-Hand Reliever Brad Boxberger. Boxberger gets to move right into the Astros bullpen and help solidify it even more. He’s only 26 years old and can help the Astros spread out their arms in the ‘pen. It’ll help in the long run by not having to rely on the same arms over and over. I’m excited about Gregerson, Neshek, Qualls, and Sipp bringing the veteran presence at the back end, while Josh Fields can also play a large role. I rather have too many relievers, something the Astros haven’t had in years.

Meanwhile, Fowler arriving in Tampa Bay allows them to move David DeJesus to DH from LF and not have to rely on John Jaso at DH. And if Steven Souza Jr. is struggling, it allows all 3 outfield positions to be filled by Major-League talent. Fowler could slide to RF, DeJesus back to LF, and Desmond Jennings would remain in CF. I would love to see Fowler get traded to Tampa Bay for one of their starters or Evan Longoria, but that just isn’t realistic. Unless it’s another package deal involving Jason Castro and another player for one, or the other, it’s not happening.

The Astros could still use some help in a couple areas now, but upgrading the bullpen should still be a priority for a team who has blown over 60 games the last two seasons combined. Make sure to go over all of our trade proposals on “Trade Dexter Fowler Day” and to vote at the end of it.