Milwaukee Brewers: Add 2B Cory Spangenberg on one-year deal

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed an infielder! It’s not Troy Tulowitzki. It’s not D.J. LeMahieu. The Brewers have added infielder Cory Spangenberg. What does this mean for the rest of the off season?

Cory Spangenberg is more than a few seasons removed from getting drafted 10th overall in 2011. He made his Major League debut in 2014, and spent the last few years bouncing between Triple-A and the Major League roster. He was DFA’ed in late November to clear a roster spot, and got his release a few days later.

How did Spangenberg perform last year?

In 2018, Spangenberg posted a .235/.298/.362 slash line in 116 games with the San Diego Padres last year in his age-27 season. He was plagued with a strike out rate that was just over 32%.

His best season as a pro came in 2015. Spangenburg posted a .271/.333/.399 slash line in 108 games. He hit 13 homers in 2018, but 2015 saw him set a career high with a 2.0 WAR.

How big is his contract with the Brewers?

He signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million on the Major League roster or $250k if he’s in the Minors. He also has one option left, so he can make the team, and get sent down later without being exposed to waivers.

Why did the Brewers sign him?

The Milwaukee Brewers need infield depth, he’s affordable, and he’s left-handed. It’s unlikely that he’ll win the starting job. However, he could win a share of a starting job if the Brewers elect to go with a platoon. He owns a .271/.331/.423 slash line against right-handers in his Major League career.

Does this mean the Brewers are done looking for infield help?

Probably not? He may end up as the only signing, but that doesn’t mean the Milwaukee Brewers are going to stop looking to improve. If D.J. LeMaheiu or Troy Tulowitzki decides to come to the Brewers, Spangenberg will have to fight for a spot on the 25-man roster. Spangenberg will likely have to fight for a roster spot anyway, but adding another infielder could make him the odd man out if the Brewers keep Hernan Perez and Tyler Saladino on the bench.

Spangenberg is a depth signing for the Milwaukee Brewers, not a final signing. He still has an option remaining, and provides greater flexibility than most other choices. He’s also not going to bust the budget, and comes with upside. It’s entirely possible that getting out of Petco Park and into Miller Park can revitalize his career.