The Toronto Blue Jays’ trade of Ben Revere to the Washington Nationals could be good news for a free agent outfielder, specifically Dexter Fowler.
Currently, the Blue Jays’ outfield features Michael Saunders, Dalton Pompey, Kevin Pillar and Jose Bautista. Bautista and Pillar are the only outfielders with guaranteed jobs. Saunders missed almost the entire 2015 season with an injury, and has never played more than 139 games in a season, a career-high that came back in 2012. The Blue Jays would be foolish to depend on him to last an entire season.
There is no reason Toronto should not try to bring in a free agent like Fowler, who can play left, center or right field and also hit leadoff. Right now, the Blue Jays lack a prototypical leadoff hitter, and Fowler might be the best free agent available who fits that mold.
Last season with the Chicago Cubs, Fowler hit .250/.346/.411 with 17 home runs, 29 doubles, 46 RBIs, eight triples and 20 stolen bases. Those are not great numbers, but not terrible either. Fowler would bring some pop to the top of the lineup, and wouldn’t necessarily hurt the Jays defensively in left despite posting below-average defensive ratings.
Even though they didn’t re-sign David Price and Mark Buehrle is flirting with retirement, the Jays are still in a position to win a wide-open AL East. The team’s offense could be enough to overcome the loss of Price, especially if they sign Fowler. There is an obvious need and an obvious fit, and the Blue Jays should make the move right now.
