Milwaukee Brewers: Dee Gordon dealt to Mariners

The Milwaukee Brewers have one fewer option available to solve their second base issue now. Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon went to the Seattle Mariners yesterday. How does this move impact the second base market and the Brewers off season plans?

The Seattle Mariners acquired second baseman Dee Gordon for a trio of prospects. While Gordon was never directly linked to Milwaukee, a deal for him would have made sense. The Brewers still have options available, but Gordon would have solved their issues at second and at the top of the order.

What is Gordon’s role in Seattle?

Supposedly Gordon is going to play center field, and bat…somewhere. It’s unclear if Mariners manager Scott Servais sees him as a top of the order guy or wants him to bat lower in the order. Gordon has never played center field in his Major League career.

Would Gordon have really fit in Milwaukee?

Gordon isn’t perfect, but he would have added speed and a capable glove to the lineup. His .329 career OBP isn’t ideal for the top of the order. However, he has speed to spare and is capable of seeing a lot of pitches. He’s owed $37 million through 2020 with a vesting option for 2021 that’s worth $14 million. That’s not a ridiculous contract, but $14 million for a speedster in his age 35 season doesn’t sound fantastic either.

How can the Milwaukee Brewers solve their second base issue?

Great question. Neil Walker and Chase Utley are still available on the free agent market. Ian Kinsler, Jed Lowrie, and Josh Harrison are available through the trade market. There are a few options still available, and the Milwaukee Brewers are known to be actively looking for a solution.

Next: Are the Orioles looking to deal Manny Machado?

The Winter Meetings are about to start. That’s when the hot stove kicks into high gear, and the Milwaukee Brewers are likely to land a new second baseman. Gordon would’ve made sense, but he’s far from perfect. Deals are still out there for GM David Stearns to make, but the clock is ticking. If he wants to upgrade from Eric Sogard and Jonathan Villar, he’ll have to move quickly next week.