Milwaukee Brewers Bring Back Jace Peterson on Minor League Deal

The Milwaukee Brewers bring back Jace Peterson on a minor league deal with an invitation to major league camp.

Milwaukee Brewers’ General Manager David Stearns is on a mission this offseason, and it appears that mission is signing every available utility infielder. Most recently, the Crew signed Daniel Robertson. Last week they signed Pablo Reyes, and not long ago, they claimed Tim Lopes.

Well, now you can add a familiar face to that list as Jace Peterson was signed on Wednesday to a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp after he was non-tendered earlier this offseason.

2020 was Peterson’s first in Milwaukee after spending all of 2019 and part of 2018 in Baltimore. Peterson appeared in 26 games with the Crew, posting an impressive on-base percentage of .393 and a ridiculous walk rate of 24.6 percent.

However, when Peterson wasn’t drawing walks, he was likely striking out. In 61 plate appearances, he struck out almost 33 percent of the time — yikes — and posted a .200 average with a .356 slugging percentage.

Although I will point out that Peterson finished the year with an OPS+ of 105 (100 is the league average), but that is due in large part to his on-base percentage, which is likely not sustainable. Peterson has a career on-base percentage of .317.

As I alluded to already, much like the players before him, Peterson is another versatile defensive player. Last season, Peterson saw time at first base, second base, and third base, as well as in the outfield.

The 30 year old Peterson gives the Milwaukee Brewers more depth in AAA Nashville along with that positional versatility that they covet and MLB experience at the big league level.

It’s a move that doesn’t come with much risk and like the players signed before him, it’s hard to envision Peterson being the answer at third base. A more significant move to fill that void should follow.

As well know, it’s a long 162 game season and teams need depth both in the big leagues and in the minors. Jace Peterson will provide the Milwaukee Brewers with that.

Peterson is a career .227 hitter with a .648 OPS and an OPS+ of 78.