Milwaukee Brewers Rumors: Day 1 Winter Meetings Rumor Roundup

As the Winter Meetings continue, there have been a number of rumors that have come out surrounding the Milwaukee Brewers. Let’s round them up.

Interest In Mike Moustakas

According to Robert Murray of The Athletic (subscription required), the Milwaukee Brewers are interested in bringing back Mike Moustakas. They’ve been in contact with him and remain so. The St. Louis Cardinals also have interest in his services.

For Moustakas, the possibility is there, but nothing is close. He’s likely still looking for that multi-year deal. The Brewers might not be willing to make that offer with Keston Hiura so close to the big leagues.

After joining Milwaukee, Moustakas hit .256 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs. In the playoffs, Moustakas had a crucial walk-off single in the NLDS that propelled the Brewers to a sweep over the Rockies.

Interest In Daniel Murphy

Also from Robert Murray, the Crew has interest in Daniel Murphy to fill the second base gap. Murphy will enter his age-34 season next year, and will likely only command a one-year contract. He’s been a strong hitter over his career, and it makes sense that the Brewers would at least have preliminary interest in him.

His defense isn’t great. As a matter of fact, it’s horrible. Murphy has been worth -33 DRS over the last two seasons at second base. But he can hit, mashing his way to a .299 average last season and a .322 average in 2017.

He would be a one year stopgap while Keston Hiura finishes his development. David Stearns did say they could afford to be patient on the second base market due to the bevy of options.

Staying In Touch With Wade Miley

Adam McCalvy reported that the Brewers have maintained contact with Wade Miley and his agent this offseason. The Milwaukee Brewers would be open to bringing back the southpaw that posted a 2.57 ERA in 16 starts in 2018.

However, Miley reportedly wants to test his free agent value and is likely searching for a multi-year deal. It’s been a struggle for him in the majors lately, which is why the Brewers signed him to a minor league deal back in spring training. He’s now trying to parlay his career year into some long term financial stability.

If the Brewers were to bring him back, it would likely again be on a one-year deal.

Mauricio Dubon To Triple-A

Milwaukee Brewers fans will not see Mauricio Dubon on Opening Day in 2019. According to David Stearns, Dubon will start next season in Triple-A after suffering a season-ending ACL tear last April.

This should give Dubon the chance to get back into a groove at the plate and get some regular playing time. That’s something he would not get if he started the season in Milwaukee.

Brewers Out On Yusei Kikuchi

The chances of the Brewers signing the Japanese Josh Hader who can start appear to be slim.

While Kikuchi would be a great fit, the Brewers are moving on to other options at this time. They’ve been interested in him, but the market is too deep and it doesn’t sound like Kikuchi is too thrilled with the idea of going to Milwaukee.

Non-Roster Invitee To The Bullpen?

The Milwaukee Brewers recently signed reliever Deolis Guerra to a minor league deal. Adam McCalvy reported that the 29 year old righty has a “legitimate shot” to win a bullpen spot in spring training.

The 6’5″ reliever has a career 4.17 ERA in 73 appearances over the past three seasons. If he performs well in spring training, there certainly will be a spot for him. The Brewers could use some more depth in the early parts of their bullpen after non-tendering Dan Jennings and Xavier Cedeno.

The soon-to-be 30 year old struggled with walks in 2018, but had great command in 2016 and 2017.

For the Milwaukee Brewers, it may not be a busy Winter Meetings as Stearns has stated numerous times he’s willing to be patient on the free agent market.