The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired outfielder Dustin Fowler from the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations, as first reported by Rob Biertempfel.
Fowler ranked as a top ten prospect in the Yankees system, before being traded to Oakland as part of a package for Sonny Gray at the 2017 trade deadline. He entered 2018 as Oakland’s number four prospect, and the #88 prospect in the game, according to Baseball America. He made it to the majors in 2018, hitting .224/.256/.354 in 192 at-bats. He hit for a .884 OPS in Triple-A (Pacific Coast League, which typically inflates offensive production) that season. He spent the entire 2019 season in the PCL, hitting for an .810 OPS . He didn’t play in the majors in 2020, but was assigned to Oakland’s Alternate Training Site.
At his highest point as a prospect, Fowler was hailed for his power/speed potential, with a chance to stick in center field due to his range and arm strength. He has plus speed, and a good success rate stealing bases. He hasn’t had much of an opportunity in the majors since 2018, but has come to the right place for outfield opportunity. I’d expect Fowler to battle for time with Anthony Alford in center field, while also fighting for a bench spot. He’s out of options, and in his age 26 season, so you figure the Pirates added him with the intent of seeing what he can do in the majors.
UPDATE: To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Austin Davis has been placed on the 60-day injured list
