Milwaukee Brewers: Exploring A Trade For Brandon Drury

The Milwaukee Brewers face two major issues this off-season: Finding a starting pitcher and finding someone to lock down second base.  The answer to one of these issues might be hiding in the desert.

According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the  Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly getting a lot of calls inquiring about Brandon Drury.  Mark Polishuk via  MLBTraderumors.com, reports that there are around half a dozen teams who are interested.

Drury was acquired by Arizona in the 2013 blockbuster trade that sent Justin Upton to Atlanta.  He made his MLB debut on September 1st, 2015.  In his first three seasons at the highest level, Drury owns a slash line of .271/.319/.448.  He has the ability to play multiple positions such as Third base and the outfield, but second is where the Crew need him.

The versatility is definitely something that G.M David Stearns looks for in any player on his club.  Drury is 25 years old with four years of control. That will probably cost the Milwaukee Brewers a pretty prospect penny.

What Would it Cost?

Since Arizona has a lot of depth in their infield with Ketel Marte, Nick Ahmed, Chris Owings and  Daniel Descalso all capable of playing multiple positions. So the Dbacks won’t exactly be missing Drury all that much.

Maybe if the Brewers were to help address Arizona’s biggest need they could make a deal.  Milwaukee could send reliever, Jacob Barnes to the desert in a straight up trade.  Barnes has five years of club control and is coming off his first full MLB season.  He owns a career ERA of 3.65.  2017 was not his best showing. That is obvious by his 4.00 ERA. But he is controllable and talented.

In 2017 Drury slashed .267/.317/.447 with 13 home runs and drove in 63 RBIs.  This trade would answer Arizona who are in win-now mode need of a reliable bullpen arm to go along with stud closer Archie Bradley and newly acquired Brad Boxberger.

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Drury would be able to slot into second base and add some pop to the position.  While Barnes poses a great potential set up option for Boxberger in case the Dbacks decide to move Bradley back into the starting rotation.