Milwaukee Brewers: 5 players who could still be traded after the deadline

3. C Manny Piña

Age 31
Team Control until 2022

Why he will be traded: Good defensive catchers with some pop in their bats will always have a home and Piña is definitely the definition of those two statements. His arm is one of the very best in baseball and he knows how to call a game. If the Brewers make an offseason move for someone like J.T. Realmuto, then Piña could be on the move, letting Jacob Nottingham take the backup job. Piña’s value won’t be any higher than it was last offseason, but he could still fetch a lower level prospect or two in a deal.

Why he won’t be traded: After a breakout 2017 at the plate, Piña has regressed this season. Hitting .225 with a .285 OBP, he’s profiling more as a backup than a starter and may not be able to replicate his 2017 numbers. That limits him to a deal similar to what the Brewers got for Martin Maldonado (Jett Bandy, or a Triple-A player). That might keep Piña in Milwaukee for a year or two yet.

Will he get traded? Unlike the two pitchers, Piña seems to be a guy who can stay in Milwaukee, either as the starter next year if he regains his 2017 form or as a backup if the team can get a bonafide backstop. Nottingham, despite his strong Triple-A season, might need a little more seasoning in the minors before establishing himself as a big leaguer, which opens up a spot for Piña.