CHICAGO -- The Cubs upgraded their outfield, acquiring veteran Dexter Fowler on Monday in exchange for infielder Luis Valbuena and right-handed pitcher Dan Straily.Fowler, 28, a switch-hitter, has a career .366 on-base percentage over seven seasons, primarily with the Rockies. He was traded to the Astros on Dec. 3 with a player to be named later for Brandon Barnes and Jordan Lyles.
According to FOXSports.com, Fowler asked for $10.8 million in arbitration, and the Astros offered $8.5 million. Fowler will be eligible for free agency after the 2015 season. 
The Cubs had projected Arismendy Alcantara as their primary center fielder, although last season was his first in the outfield after spending most of his playing time at second base.Valbuena, 29, made the most starts at third base last season for the Cubs, and his departure could open the spot for top prospect Kris Bryant at third. Valbuena batted .249 with 16 home runs and 51 RBIs. Bryant was the Minor League player of the year, hitting 43 home runs and driving in 110 runs at Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa.If Bryant isn't ready by Opening Day, the Cubs have Mike Olt and Tommy La Stella to play third base.Straily, 26, was acquired from the Athletics last July in the multiplayer deal that sent Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to Oakland. He was 13-12 with a 4.54 ERA in 48 big league appearances covering parts of three big league seasons.WSCR radio was first with the news that the Cubs would get Fowler. The San Francisco Chronicle reported Straily was headed to the Astros in exchange, and Yahoo Sports said Valbuena was also in the deal.
Carrie Muskat/ MLB.com
The Cubs had projected Arismendy Alcantara as their primary center fielder, although last season was his first in the outfield after spending most of his playing time at second base.Valbuena, 29, made the most starts at third base last season for the Cubs, and his departure could open the spot for top prospect Kris Bryant at third. Valbuena batted .249 with 16 home runs and 51 RBIs. Bryant was the Minor League player of the year, hitting 43 home runs and driving in 110 runs at Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa.If Bryant isn't ready by Opening Day, the Cubs have Mike Olt and Tommy La Stella to play third base.Straily, 26, was acquired from the Athletics last July in the multiplayer deal that sent Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to Oakland. He was 13-12 with a 4.54 ERA in 48 big league appearances covering parts of three big league seasons.WSCR radio was first with the news that the Cubs would get Fowler. The San Francisco Chronicle reported Straily was headed to the Astros in exchange, and Yahoo Sports said Valbuena was also in the deal.
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