Dexter Fowler Isn’t A Fit

The Mets have started the process of finding a potential landing spot for first baseman Ike Davis, and the Rockies are on of the team’s who have inquired.  The Rockies’ interest and the Mets’ need for outfield help has led to some tossing around the idea of the Mets dealing Davis for Dexter Fowler.  That wouldn’t be wise.

Aug 23, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) at bat against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Dexter Fowler is a “name.”  Beyond that, he isn’t much.

Fowler will be 28 in March, will make close to $8 million in 2014, offers very little power, has speed but doesn’t use it well, and has home/road splits that are stark.

For his career, Fowler has a triple slash at Coors Field of .298/.395/.485.  On the road, his career triple slash is .241/.333/.361.  Those splits scream for opposing teams to be wary of acquiring him.

The one thing Fowler does well is get on base – he has a career OBP of .365.  When you realize that his OBP would likely take a significant hit if he played his home games somewhere besides Colorado, Fowler becomes a player who simply does nothing at an above average level – and an expensive one at that.

If the Mets acquired Fowler, they’d either play him in center field or in one of the corner outfield spots.

If they decided to play Fowler in center field, they’d be replacing one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball (Juan Lagares) with one of the worst.  Not smart.

If they decided to play Fowler in one of the corner outfield spots, they’d be adding a mostly powerless outfielder to a lineup that needs more pop.  It simply doesn’t make sense.

Fowler’s name makes some people want him.  When you dig deeper, it becomes apparent that he’s someone the Mets should steer clear of.

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