Milwaukee Brewers: Is Asdrubal Cabrera the mystery infielder?

The Milwaukee Brewers have solved their catching concerns, at least for the 2019 season. However, they still need to find a second baseman. Could Asdrubal Cabrera end up as the Opening Day starter.

It was rumored early today that the Milwaukee Brewers were hot on the trail of a second baseman. Jed Lowrie and Brian Dozier made the most sense, but they both signed with other teams today. Lowrie will head to the Mets on a two-year deal, and Dozier will play for the Nationals on a one-year deal.

D.J. LeMahieu is rumored to cost too much for the Milwaukee Brewers now that they have Grandal’s salary at $18.5 million. That leaves Asdrubal Cabrera and Josh Harrison as the two available options who make the most sense, but the Brewers could also reunite with third baseman Mike Moustakas. Could any of these three end up as the mystery infielder the team is linked to?

Who’s most likely to get signed?

Cabrera and Moustakas are likely in-line for one-year deals. Harrison could look for a contract similar to what Ian Kinsler or Lowrie got. Knowing the Milwaukee Brewers, Cabrera or Moustakas are the more likely to sign.

Who fits the Brewers best?

As much as fans might enjoy a reunion with Moustakas, Cabrera is the better fit for the lineup on paper. Signing Cabrera allows Travis Shaw to stay at third base, meaning Shaw will suffer less wear and tear at the hot corner than he would at a full season of second base. The Brewers can hide some of Cabrera’s defensive deficiencies by shifting.

Cabrera also provides a platoon partner for Hernan Perez. Cabrera posted a .267/.327/.497 slash line against right-handed pitching last year. Perez slashed .277/.304/.479 against lefties. The two could combine to form a capable second baseman that produces on both sides of the plate.

Milwaukee Brewers GM David Stearns played the catcher’s market perfectly. He signed the best guy available to a one-year deal. He wasn’t quite as lucky with the second base market, as it’s unlikely that he’s going to have a similar situation happen with LeMahieu. He’ll have to settle for a year of Cabrera, but there are worse options available. The Brewers could try to send Jose Reyes out there for a full season. No one wants that.