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Milwaukee Brewers: 3 moves the Brewers Could Make Before Spring Training

By Sam Brahm

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 07: Manager Craig Counsell of the Milwaukee Brewers pulls starting picther Wade Miley #20 in the fifth inning of Game Three of the National League Division Series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on October 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 07: Manager Craig Counsell of the Milwaukee Brewers pulls starting picther Wade Miley #20 in the fifth inning of Game Three of the National League Division Series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on October 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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PITTMaSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 23: Josh Harrison #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates acknowledges the crowd as he is removed from the game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the eighth inning at PNC Park on September 23, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTMaSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 23: Josh Harrison #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates acknowledges the crowd as he is removed from the game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the eighth inning at PNC Park on September 23, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

3. Second Base

Second base is the most likely move that’s going to be made. Nothing against Hernan Perez and Spangenberg, but the Brewers do not want to go into Opening Day with those two holding down the position. The free agent market has gone down, but there are still a lot of options out there.

Josh Harrison

Harrison has been the second baseman that has been most connected with the Brewers. Right after the Washington Nationals signed Brian Dozier, it was reported that the Brewers may push their pursuit for the infielder. Harrison had an injury-filled season, only playing 97 games, but he is still a solid player. He has the versatility to play second, third and the corner outfield positions, which is something that Stearns has always loved. He is a solid hitter when healthy and one of the biggest impacts doesn’t involve his skill set. Harrison is great in the clubhouse and his personality fits perfectly with the fun Brewers squad.

2018: .250/8 HR/37 RBI/.656 OPS in 374 PA (w/ Pirates)

Asdrubal Cabrera

Cabrera could be one of the best offensive second basemen on the market right now. He is a switch hitter who hits around .260-.270 and has some pop from the left side. If he signs with the Brewers, we could see a possible power surge with that short porch in right field at Miller Park.

Hitting isn’t an issue. Defense is a little different. It’s a situation of he’s not bad, but he’s not good. Cabrera had a .986 fielding percentage last year, which is good, but he had -17 Defensive Runs Saved at the second base position. But since the Brewers are a big believer in the shift, this may not play a huge factor in the decision process. Cabrera is a guy to keep an eye on.

2018: .262/23 HR/75 RBI/.774 OPS in 592 PA (w/ Mets and Phillies)

Marwin Gonzalez

Gonzales would be the perfect pick up, but the price may be a little out of reach. He is a switch hitter that can play both infield and outfield. Brewers are against multi-year deals when it comes to position players at the moment, but if they sign him for three to four years, he can play second for a while and when Keston Hiura is ready, he can play left field and platoon with Ryan Braun. He’s just turning 30 and adding someone who can bat both ways with power from the left side would be a huge addition. Gonzalez and the Brewers are a perfect match.

2018: .247/16 HR/68 RBI/.733 OPS in 552 PA (w/ Astros)

Joe Panik

Panik would have to be acquired from the San Francisco Giants and he’s someone to look out for. The Giants are reportedly looking to trade Panik this year and with the Brewers searching for a second baseman, this could be an option.

He has been streaky throughout his career and last season was his down year. Now he is due for a good one. That’s how it has gone for him. When it comes to skill set, he hits for average. The most home runs he’ll hit would probably be 15. And when it comes to defense, he’s average at best. So the price would most likely include a top 10 to 15 prospect, a low-level player, or possibly someone on the big league roster if the Brewers are trying to cut payroll.

2018: .254/4 HR/24 RBI/.639 OPS in 392 PA

Other Candidates: Derek Dietrich, Neil Walker, Freddy Galvis

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