Brewers Should Trade Gerardo Parra to Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays’ everyday lineup looked completely set and ready to mash. With upgrades at catcher, third base and upside in the outfield, they appeared to have the best lineup in the American League. But quickly things have changed. An injury to new left fielder, Michael Saunders has left them in need of outfield help.

Gerardo Parra does not have the same power that Saunders could bring, but he is one of the best defenders in the game today. Through his six years in the league Parra has a career batting average of .274 with 42 home runs and a .720 OPS. Sending his two-time, Gold Glove talent to Toronto may be an option for the Brewers to save money and create more organizational depth.

Parra is a great talent and an awesome luxury to have off the bench, but at nearly $6.3 million dollars he has become expendable. With the outfield set and Khris Davis ready to break out, it may be hard for Parra to find playing time in Milwaukee. They shouldn’t platoon him with Davis and take the bat out of the young slugger’s hands, and having Parra as a part time player off the bench seems costly for the small market Brewers.

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When they traded to get Parra, the Brewers parted ways with Mitch Haniger, an outfield bat with plenty of potential. By flipping Parra in a deal now they could get the most for him and help to continually improve the system as a whole. Were they to deal him, they would not likely get a top prospect in return, but they could possibly get young catcher like A.J. Jimenez or a young arm like Matthew Smoral.

Parra is a great outfielder and too good not to start. Without a spot in Milwaukee it is time for the Brewers to take advantage of their depth and make a move. With players like Andy Dirks, Kevin Pillar and Chris Dickerson as their best options to play left, Parra would be a great upgrade for Toronto. Slowly but surely the system which was once ranked worst in all of baseball has improved. By making a deal like this the Brewers can continue to make the organization stronger for the future.

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