Milwaukee Brewers: Is Mike Moustakas a trade target?

Rumors broke on Monday afternoon that the Milwaukee Brewers have inquired about Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas. Why would they have interest in Moustakas?

Mike Moustakas is a free agent at the end of the season, and the Kansas City Royals are nowhere close to contending. It’s clear that they’re looking to deal. But, why would the Milwaukee Brewers possibly want to add a third baseman to their lineup?

Where would Moustakas play?

If the Milwaukee Brewers pull off a trade that includes Moustakas, he would play third base. Travis Shaw would have to make the move over to second base. The Brewers could possibly have an infield with Ryan Braun and Shaw on the right side and Moustakas and Tyler Saladino on the left side. That’s not exactly a gold glove infield.

How is Moustakas playing?

Well, he’s blasted 19 homers, but he only has a .766 OPS. He’s slashing .245/.308/.457 in 94 games. A move to Miller Park could help to revive Moustakas’ season. 11 of his 19 homers have come away from Kauffman Stadium.

Is this a real rumor?

Milwaukee Brewers GM David Stearns is known to kick the tires on just about everyone. It’s likely that he’s in contact with the Kansas City Royals, and he’s probably discussing just about everyone. It’s more likely that the rumor started with Royals GM Dayton Moore saying something like, “How about Moustakas?” than Stearns actually calling about Moustakas. They probably talked about Danny Duffy and Whit Merrifield, too.

This is a real rumor in that Moustakas name was probably discussed, but it’s unlikely that the Brewers are specifically targeting him.

What would a trade for Moustakas look like?

The Royals probably won’t get much for Moustakas alone. Moustakas is going back into free agency in a few months, and his value wasn’t exactly sky high in his career year last season. It took Moustakas a long time to sign this past off season, and he only managed a one-year, ‘show me’ contract from the team that he went to two All Star games with.

Next: Could the Brewers deal for Jonathan Schoop?

If the Milwaukee Brewers deal more than a low-level, ‘not-a-prospect’ lottery ticket or two, they probably overpaid. Moustakas isn’t a high priority target, and they shouldn’t part with any real asset from their Minor League system.