Milwaukee Brewers: Pros and cons of re-signing Mike Moustakas

Third baseman Mike Moustakas remains on the free agent market and there are both pros and cons to the Milwaukee Brewers bringing him back for 2019.

One of the more realistic moves that the Milwaukee Brewers could end up making before Spring Training begins is bringing back free agent third baseman Mike Moustakas. Throughout the offseason, Moustakas has been linked to the Brewers and could possibly be the last big move that they make.

The Milwaukee Brewers have been quiet since the signing of Yasmani Grandal, but have been linked to a number of players including starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel. However, at this point, the rumors surrounding Moustakas returning to Milwaukee may be the strongest as stated by Robert Murray of the Athletic.

Last season, Moustakas was acquired before the trade deadline in July by the Milwaukee Brewers for outfielder Brett Phillips and right-handed pitcher Jorge Lopez. Acquiring Moose meant that the defensive lineup in the infield had to be adjusted. Third baseman Travis Shaw moved to second base, a position Shaw had never played before, to make room for Moose.

This was a dangerous experiment that General Manager David Stearns attempted to pull off during a playoff run and it actually worked. Shaw played well at second base and Moose ended up playing a huge role in the September playoff push.

It is now less than two weeks away from Spring Training and Moustakas is still on the market. With second base being the weakest position for the Brewers, Stearns may look for an upgrade at that position.

With Moustakas being someone who is familiar with Milwaukee, he could end up being the guy playing third base, resulting in Shaw going back to second. This may sound great, but there are a few cons if the Brewers sign Moose back.