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

2. 1B/OF Eric Thames

Age 31
Team Control until 2019.

Why he will be traded: One of the shrewdest moves by David Stearns in his brief tenure as General Manager, signing Thames to a three year contract before last season helped inject some more power, and personality, to the clubhouse. But Thames is no longer the everyday starter at either first base, or in the outfield. Without a path to consistent playing time, Thames value might be greater as a trade asset. He’s provides light tower power and has shown a decent eye at the plate, drawing his share of walks. That could be valuable to a team that needs a one year starter at first.

Why he won’t be traded: Simply put, Thames provides a lot of value to the clubhouse with his demeanor and leadership. Much like a guy like Orlando Arcia or Lorenzo Cain, Thames brings more than his bat to the Brewers roster. Moving him could open up a void that could seriously effect the clubhouse chemistry that the Brewers have cultivated over the past two seasons.

Will he get traded? Thames value as a power hitter, even if it’s as a spot starter, makes him a valuable player who can be counted on more than a guy like Domingo Santana at this point, so it’s sensible for the Brewers to keep him around for the final year of his contract. As long as he continues to keep his attitude up and not let his demotion be a distraction, expect to see the towering figure that is Eric Thames back in Brewer blue next season. However, with his ability to play outfield, that may make one expendable.