Milwaukee Brewers: 6 completely realistic free agent targets

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 18: Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Houston Astros reacts after striking out in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 18: Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Houston Astros reacts after striking out in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 18: Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Houston Astros hits a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 18: Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Houston Astros hits a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox during Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

1. Marwin Gonzalez

Gonzalez would be a very nice get for the Brewers, as he’s extremely versatile. He can play five positions (all four infield spots and left field) and would provide Counsell with some very nice flexibility in the infield. He also has a relationship with Stearns as they were both a part of the Houston Astros’ system.

Gonzalez is another switch hitter who would give the Brewers the extra bat they need in their lineup. Especially as players like Ryan Braun age, Milwaukee is going to have to replace his production somehow.

One of the sticky points to signing Gonzalez is his agent-Scott Boras. Boras is one of the most notorious agents in baseball and always gets his clients more than the amount they deserve. At 29-years-old, the Brewers will have to be willing to hand out a contract for at least three, if not four years to Gonzalez with an annual salary around $9-10 million. That’s certainly doable and something Stearns could pitch to ownership.

Overall, the Brewers are expected to be active in free agency this season. Their rebuilding process was officially streamlined last season and now it’s about taking that next step. You can bet your bottom dollar the Chicago Cubs are going to go out and improve and the Brewers must do so at their own pace as well. Get ready for an exciting offseason.

Jed Lowrie

Marwin Gonzalez