Milwaukee Brewers Rumors: Asdrubal Cabrera Drawing Crew’s Interest

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 20: Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the New York Mets scores in the first inning against the New York Yankees during their game at Yankee Stadium on July 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 20: Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the New York Mets scores in the first inning against the New York Yankees during their game at Yankee Stadium on July 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Milwaukee Brewers have had their eyes on several middle infielders as they look to boost their offense. One name that has been freshly connected to the Crew is Asdrubal Cabrera of the New York Mets.

The Mets are going to be sellers at the Trade Deadline this year. How big of sellers they’re going to be is difficult to tell, however. Moving Jacob DeGrom or Noah Syndergaard would represent a significant shift into a rebuild for New York. But a more likely name to be moved is Asdrubal Cabrera.

Cabrera is the Mets starting second baseman, a position the Milwaukee Brewers are searching for upgrades at offensively. In 2018, Cabrera has posted a .282 average with 17 homers and 52 RBIs. His .824 OPS is the highest of his career, and has hovered around a .280 average for the past three seasons now.

But his defense is another story. At second base this year, Cabrera has been worth -17 Defensive Runs Saved. His poor defense has been a trend over his whole career as he lacks the necessary range to make a difference on defense.

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What’s Cabrera’s contract look like?

He’s in the final year of a three year, $24.75 million contract. Cabrera is making $8.5 million this year and is a free agent at the end of the year. Cabrera joins the long list of rentals that the Brewers are considering acquiring at the deadline this year, along with Brian Dozier and Eduardo Escobar.

What would it cost to get Cabrera?

As a rental 32 year old second baseman, Cabrera wouldn’t cost not much. His cost would be somewhat lower than what it would take to acquire Dozier. That’s because Dozier has a track record of having more power and being a second half warrior and Cabrera has never been that guy.

A mid-level prospect could be enough to get the deal done. Last year, the Milwaukee Brewers acquired a different Mets second baseman, Neil Walker, for basically nothing, but that deal was done in August.

While Cabrera has done well with the bat this year, his poor defense should turn the Brewers off from acquiring him. There are still other options available on the market to fill the hole at second base.

Next: Is Corey Ray the next Keon Broxton?

The Milwaukee Brewers will continue to search for upgrades to this squad and GM David Stearns will leave no stone unturned.

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