Milwaukee Brewers: 2018-19 Brewers Offseason Preview
By Sam Brahm
Free Agent and Trade Targets
This is a tough topic because you don’t know what Stearns is going to do. He is one of the most unpredictable GM’s in baseball. But here are some players that would be a great addition to the Brewers for next season.
Catcher
Free Agents:
Wilson Ramos .306 BA/15 HR/70 RBI/.358 OBP/.845 OPS in 416 PA
Ramos was traded mid-season, but kept his hitting going. Great defender. Pulls a lot, but has the ability to hit to all parts of the field. He would be a huge add for the team. Could see a two to three year deal.
Yasmani Grandal .241 BA/24 HR/68 RBI/.349 OBP/.815 OPS in 518 PA
Had a dreadful playoffs, but has a lot of power and doesn’t strike out much. Don’t judge him based off the NLCS. He’s a quality defender as well.
Trade Candidate:
J.T. Realmuto .277 BA/21 HR/74 RBI/.340 OBP/.825 OPS in 531 PA
Best catcher on the market and could be the best in baseball. It may take Keston Hiura to get him, but if Stearns could work out a deal without him, he could be one of the stars of the team and help the Brewers take that next step.
Starting Pitchers
Free Agents:
Patrick Corbin 11-7/3.15 ERA/200.0 IP/246 K
Lefty that had a comeback year in 2018 and showed that he can be dominant once again the MLB. He relies on his sinker/slider mix with a fastball and curveball that he uses from time to time.
Nathan Eovaldi 6-7/3.81 ERA/111.0 IP/101 K
Was traded in the middle of the season and was dominant. Has a fastball that can hit triple digits with a cut fastball, slider and splitter. He would become the “ace” of this team and has playoff experience. They are one of many teams interested in him.
Dallas Keuchel 12-11/3.74 ERA/204.2 IP/153 K
Keuchel has hit a slight drop off this season, but is still a great pitcher. The lefty can be dominant and could be a good middle to top of the rotation guy for the Brewers. Has playoff experience and a great beard.
Anibal Sanchez 7-6/2.83 ERA/136.2 IP/135 K
Rumors have circulated that the Brewers have interest in the pitcher. He had a comeback season with the Braves after re-inventing himself with the cutter. He’s a vet that would be a little risky.
Trade Candidates:
Corey Kluber 20-7/2.89 ERA/215.0 IP/222 K
I can dream, can’t I? Would be a VERY high price, but would put the team over the top.
James Paxton 11-6/3.76 ERA/160.1 IP/208 K
Dominant lefty, but has trouble staying healthy. If he had an injury-free season, he would be a Cy Young candidate. He would become the ace of the Brewers and would fit right in. The thing is, the price is going to be pretty high.
Second Base
Free Agent:
Josh Harrison .250 BA/8 HR/37 RBI/.293 OBP/.656 OPS in 374 PA
Had a season filled with injuries and trade rumors. Quality hitter, good speed and a lot of versatility. Can play just about any position, except first.
Jed Lowrie .267 BA/23 HR/99 RBI/.353 OBP/.801 OPS in 680 PA
Had a breakout year in his age 35 season. May sound like most players, but needs playing time to succeed. Showed a lot of pop and has versatility as well. Could play a Hernan role with a little more playing time.
Relief Pitchers
Free Agent:
Joe Kelly 4-2/2 SV/4.39 ERA/65.2 IP/68 K with Red Sox
Down year, but has a hard fastball with some nasty offspeed pitches. Could be a big part of the bullpen and has the ability to throw multiple innings.
Zach Britton 2-0/7 SV/3.12 ERA/40.2 IP/34 K with Orioles/Yankees
Lefty that primarily throws a sinker with a fastball and curveball. Good late inning guy that could potentially close. Would be a good pickup, but his price may be a little steep.
Jeurys Familia 8-6/18 SV/3.13 ERA/72.0 IP/83 K with Mets/A’s
Familia played a big role in the bullpen. He was the closer for the Mets in the beginning, but then the season started going downhill pretty fast. After he got traded, he was in the setup man role with the Athletics, which he did a pretty good job of doing. Familia could be a great addition to the bullpen, throwing one to two innings and he also has closing experience.