In getting Lowrie back, the A's are hoping he can get his career back on track. The veteran switch-hitter will likely line up either at third or second base (with Brett Lawrie occupying the other position) and serve as a stopgap until Oakland's top infield prospects are ready.

The Astros dumped Lowrie partly to land a decent relief prospect in McCurry, and also partly to open up the hot corner for prospect Alex Bregman (a young shortstop who will likely move to third base due to organizational need). It also gives Houston more payroll flexibility.

Lowrie should play a lot more back in Oakland, so his fantasy stock is back on the rise. McCurry has decent long-range upside, while Bregman could be the big winner (even though he isn't expected to be in Houston at the start of 2016).