Milwaukee Brewers: The top 5 shortstops in franchise history

3. Jose Valentin

Years as a Brewer: 1992-1999

Jose Valentin put up numbers for more years than most candidates, but he also was never really part of a winning culture. A lot of the players on this list have interesting paths to Milwaukee, and Valentin is no different. He actually was acquired from the Padres in the Gary Sheffield blockbuster.

He played the majority of his innings over 6 seasons from 1994-1999. The Brewers won an average of only 70 games during those seasons. Valentin was certainly solid, but never spectacular. His best season came in 1996. He powered up for 26 home runs, knocking in 95 runs, leading to a healthy .811 OPS.

Valentin also had an average under .240 in four of those six seasons. While his batting averages were usually low, he did have a good eye at the plate leading to some solid OBP seasons. He also had a little bit of speed, averaging nearly 13 stolen bases per season with Milwaukee.

The ultimate reason he is on this list was his very good power numbers for the shortstop position. He hit double figure home runs in all 6 seasons as a starter. Valentin’s power numbers were needed since he was not known for his defense. Overall, he was a decent shortstop for the Brewers in the 90’s. He would be eclipsed by many listed here if they played in Milwaukee as long as Valentin.