The Hot Stove is finally heating up. As deals are starting to get done, the Milwaukee Brewers haven’t finished a deal yet, but they are receiving calls.
The Milwaukee Brewers have a lot of talented outfielders. That is no secret to us or to other MLB teams. Today, Ken Rosenthal has reported that GM David Stearns has received calls on all of their outfielders.
Domingo Santana is the big name hanging out there for teams to call on. He had an incredibly productive season and has four years of control. He has the most value of any of the Brewers proven major league outfielders. Braun is the least likely to go and Rosenthal states that, but he also said they’re getting hits on all of their outfielders. That includes Braun. Someone or multiple someones have called about acquiring Ryan Braun.
The Giants now have significant interest in Santana. They’ve reportedly fallen out of the Giancarlo Stanton sweepstakes and Santana would seem to represent a Plan B for San Francisco. But they aren’t the only team thought to be calling about Santana.
Now Susan Slusser is reporting that the Oakland A’s have probably also called about Santana as well. Just because these teams have interest doesn’t mean Santana is on his way out the door. The Milwaukee Brewers will set an astronomical price tag on Santana and teams may not be willing to meet that price.
Keon Broxton was thought to be a likely candidate to be traded to both of those teams but they apparently are looking to make a bigger move for Santana. Broxton is still the most likely to go but that involves teams settling for Broxton when their real target is Santana. The price will be much harder to meet and talks could turn to Broxton in that scenario.
Teams have called about every single outfielder the Milwaukee Brewers have. While there are some that Brewers fans have tabbed as ‘untouchable’, David Stearns has not labeled anyone as untouchable. Not even Lewis Brinson. Stearns has said he has multiple irons in the fire and he has ongoing talks with teams.
Most teams trade from a position of strength for a position of weakness. Everyone around the league knows that outfield is a strength for the Brewers and they are the team to call if you need an outfielder. The price tag is high on Santana and it will be difficult for the Giants or A’s to pay the prospect price for him. Some major league talent may need to head back in return.
Next: Orioles looking to move Manny Machado?
As the Winter Meetings get going soon, we will hear rumors galore about the Brewers and every other team. Get excited, because we’re just getting started.