Milwaukee Brewers: Starlin Castro available?

The New York Yankees and Miami Marlins are about to complete a deal for Giancarlo Stanton. The Yankees will send second baseman Starlin Castro and low-level prospects for Stanton. Should the Milwaukee Brewers look to Castro as a solution to their second base issues?

Starlin Castro has two years left on his deal plus a club option for 2020. He’s owed $21 million through 2019, and the club option is worth $16 million with a $1 million buyout. Castro has eight seasons under his belt at the Major League level, but he won’t turn 28 until late March.

Why does Castro fit with the Brewers?

Castro plays second base and he’s an upgrade over the current two-headed second base monster that the Milwaukee Brewers have now. Starlin Castro won’t solve the Brewers issues at the top of the order, but he’s solid defensively and puts the ball in play. He also has enough power to hit 20+ homers if he gets enough at bats. His contract isn’t awful, and it’s really only a two-year commitment.

Is there any reason to stay away from Castro?

Well, if the Milwaukee Brewers are dead set on finding a second baseman AND a lead off hitter, he’s not the right fit. Castro posted a .338 OBP last year, and has a .320 OBP for his career. Castro needs to put the ball in play to get on base. If his BABIP is lower than .330, he’s capable of putting up ugly numbers.

He also missed time with the same hamstring injury twice last year. Castro isn’t known as a brittle player, but the issues could cause the Milwaukee Brewers to take a second look.

The Milwaukee Brewers may have to deal Jonathan Villar or Hernan Perez if they acquire Castro. There wouldn’t be enough at bats to go around to keep both. Eric Sogard would take on a back up role, and either Perez or Villar would stay as a super sub / utility guy / pinch runner.

What would the Miami Marlins want in return?

They want salary relief to aid their rebuild. It would be shocking if it took more than a few low level prospects to get Castro out of Miami. Acquiring Castro from the Marlins wouldn’t cost the Milwaukee Brewers much.

Next: Are the Giants calling on Brewers right fielder Domingo Santana?

A Starlin Castro trade could make sense if the Milwaukee Brewers are willing to take on salary, and willing to live with Castro’s issues at the plate. Castro doesn’t solve the problem at the top of the order, but he would provide a solid glove and a capable bat that manager Craig Counsell can pencil into the lineup every day. Just don’t bat him lead off.