Chicago Cubs: Evaluating recent trades and how the Cubs fared

You go, we go

Most people probably forget that the Cubs traded to get Dexter Fowler. In January 2015, the Cubs sent pitcher Dan Straily and infielder Luis Valbuena to Houston in exchange for one year of Dexter Fowler.

No matter which way you break it down, the Cubs won this trade by a landslide. After slashing .250/.346/.411 in 156 games with the Cubs in 2015, Fowler resigned with the team in 2016 and had an All-Star season. Fowler hit a leadoff home run in Game 7 of the World Series and provided the “You go, we go” pop at the top of the Cubs lineup. He was the perfect leadoff hitter and did exactly what the Cubs wanted him to do. He signed a five year deal with the rival Cardinals in the offseason but hasn’t been able to replicate that same success.

Valbuena, 31, had a few good years for the Cubs. He never hit for average (a career .229 hitter) but did have pop and drew a lot of walks. He was the Cubs primary third baseman until Kris Bryant arrived. Valbuena did hit a career high 25 home runs with the Astros in 2015, but I think the Cubs much rather have Bryant over Valbuena. Valbuena is now with the Angels and is hitting just .190 in 70 games.

Straily, 28, is a bit of a different case. He was not good with Houston despite making just three starts but has but together back to back successful seasons with Cincinnati and Miami. With a team like the Cubs needing pitching, he would not be a bad option for the back of the rotation, but it was worth it to give him up for Fowler

Verdict: CUBS

Cubs win this trade easily. Neither player is with Houston anymore, and the Cubs are fine without either player they gave up. Fowler got the Cubs a championship.