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Milwaukee Brewers: The Hypothetical Perfect Off-Season Plan

By David Gasper

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 15: Manager Craig Counsell #30 of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on from the dugout during the first inning of Game Three of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 15: Manager Craig Counsell #30 of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on from the dugout during the first inning of Game Three of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 20: Travis Shaw #21 of the Milwaukee Brewers turns a double play against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 20: Travis Shaw #21 of the Milwaukee Brewers turns a double play against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Find A Trade Partner For Eric Thames

Thames is due $6 million next season and has a club option for $7.5 million in 2020. Considering Thames is a bench player that doesn’t provide much defensive value, it’s probably time to trade him off the Milwaukee Brewers.

What is he really worth in a return? Not much, probably. His numbers regressed hard in 2018 but he still showed that same power he did in 2017.

A move to the American League would be best for Thames and the Brewers as clearing his $6 million salary can give David Stearns a little more wiggle room in free agency.

Current Payroll Projection: $100.6 million

Re-Sign Mike Moustakas To A 1 Year/$10 million Deal

The only way Moustakas accepts a one year deal at a low enough salary for the Brewers to get him is if he lasts on the market into late January/early February. If he’s still out there, I say bring him back.

After trading Jonathan Schoop, the Milwaukee Brewers will need a bridge to Mauricio Dubon/Keston Hiura at second base. By re-signing Moustakas to a one year deal, Travis Shaw can continue to play at second base until Hiura is ready.

Dubon probably could be ready to assume full-time second base duties in 2019, but since he’s coming off an ACL tear, expectations for him are still up in the air.

Shaw and Dubon might split time at second if Shaw’s platoon splits from 2018 still persist into 2019. Also, Shaw could spend more time at first base next year with Thames hypothetically off the roster. Jesus Aguilar struggled in the second half and might need the occasional day off.

Moustakas has a lot of power, but his low OBP will worry a lot of teams this winter who could look to sign him to a multi-year deal. The Brewers like him and his lefty bat fits Miller Park well. I’m sure he’d be open to a reunion.

However, Moustakas might have also learned from last year’s free agency debacle that he should take one of the early multi-year offers if there are any instead of waiting for a better deal.

This is a reunion that’s tough to see happening, but it could be ideal for the Brewers.

Current Payroll Projection: $110.6 million

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