Michael Brantley batted .288 final season whereas incomes a World Sequence championship with the Houston … [+]
The vacation procuring season is formally underway and whereas the Milwaukee Brewers have made a handful of strikes since heating up the recent range, president of baseball operations has but to make a significant splash on the free agent market.
So with a month to go earlier than Christmas — and about 80 procuring days left earlier than spring coaching opens — listed here are three potential free agent signings that would match neatly into Milwaukee’s 2023 plans:
OF/DH Michael Brantley
Michael Brantley was Milwaukee’s seventh-round choose within the 2005 Draft however was traded to Cleveland in … [+]
Bats/Throws: Left/Left
Opening Day age: 35
2022 Stats: .288/.348/.423, 8 HR, 37 RBI, .771 OPS
2022 Wage: $16 million
Brantley isn’t going to knock the duvet off the ball however has been one of the constant general hitters in baseball the previous few seasons and will fill a task just like Andrew McCutchen, who signed a one-year deal throughout Spring Coaching to function the Brewers’ designated hitter and backup outfielder.
If the 2 sides have been to work out a deal, it could mark a homecoming of types for the five-time All-Star who was Milwaukee’s seventh-round choose within the 2005 MLB Draft. Brantley batted .323 with six homers and 157 RBIs throughout 4 seasons within the Brewers system, making it so far as Double-A earlier than he was despatched to Cleveland as a participant to be named later within the blockbuster commerce that introduced CC Sabathia to Milwaukee in 2008.
C Wilson Contreras
Wilson Contreras has been a thorn within the Brewers’ aspect the previous few years however is the most effective out there … [+]
Bats/Throws: Proper/Proper
Opening Day age: 30
2022 Stats: .243/.349/.466, 22 HR, 55 RBI, .815 OPS
2022 Wage: $9.625 million
Contreras hasn’t precisely endeared himself to Brewers followers over the previous few seasons and has had greater than a justifiable share of points with Milwaukee’s pitchers, who’ve drilled him with 16 pitches since 2018 together with 11 within the final three seasons. However he’s simply the most effective catcher out there on the open market and wouldn’t solely present a big offensive improve from Omar Narvaez but in addition hold him from both returning to the Cubs or signing with the rival Cardinals, who’ve reportedly proven curiosity in signing the veteran backstop to interchange Yadier Molina.
If the Brewers are going to make a splash this offseason, catcher is probably the most logical spot to take action when it comes to want however the lack of choices might drive Contreras’ worth too excessive and with 4 inner candidates, Milwaukee might select to face pat whereas on the lookout for a possible commerce if an improve turns into crucial.
J.D. Martinez
With 44 house runs and an .829 OPS the final two seasons, veteran slugger J.D. Martinez might be the … [+]
Bats/Throws: Proper/Proper
Opening Day age: 35
2022 stats: .274/.341/.448, 16 HR, 62 RBI, .790 OPS
2022 wage: $19,350 million
. The 12-year veteran put up strong numbers in 2022 and has a slash line of .280/.345/.484 with 85 doubles, 44 house runs, 161 RBIs and an .829 OPS in 1,230 plate appearances for Boston during the last two seasons with a pair of All-Star appearances throughout that stretch.
Martinez appeared in 139 video games final season, all of them because the Pink Sox’ designated hitter. He’s has solely made 137 appearances within the outfield since becoming a member of the Pink Sox in 2018 so he may not be almost as versatile as Brantley however the Brewers is likely to be prepared to look previous that if the value is correct and Martinez produces on the plate.
