Milwaukee Brewers: Other Position Player Trade Targets

In the next of our continuing series previewing the MLB Trade Deadline, we take a look at what other position players the Milwaukee Brewers could target this July.

The MLB Trade deadline is almost here! In the next of our continuing series looking at who the Milwaukee Brewers can target in trades, we’ll take a look at what second and third-tier position players may be on the market.

If you want to know how we came to these rankings, you read about that in our overview of the top-tier starting pitching market here. You can also read about the top-tier options on the relief and position markets here and here, and you can read about the second-tier starting pitchers here and second/third-tier relievers here.

Without further ado, let’s look at the position player market!

The second and third-tier options, also referred to as solid options or depth, are likely to be much more plentiful than the options are on the pitching market this summer. Let’s take a look at the players who could make an  impact on the Milwaukee Brewers if they were acquired in a trade. We’ll divide this list by position/roles starting with first base.

There are a few first basemen on the market who could make an impact for a contending team. Though the Milwaukee Brewers don’t have really have a need at first anymore, it’s still worth visiting what options might be out there if they change their mind.

Trey Mancini, RHB, Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles may be horrible this season, but that hasn’t stopped Trey Mancini from having a career year.

Mancini is having his best offensive season of his career to date. His slash line stands at .289/.350/.539, the latter two of which are career bests. He’s reduced his K% to a career low (21.6%), increased his walk rate to a career high (7.9%), and he’s only three home runs behind his totals in each of his first two Major League seasons (21 this year compared to 24 in each of the previous two seasons). His well-above-average WRC+ of 130 shows just how great his offensive production has been in 2019.

Mancini’s value, however, comes exclusively from his bat. Though he’s at least passable defensively at first base, he’s spent much of 2019 playing in right field where his defense is among the worst in the Majors. That hasn’t stopped him from being a 2.0 WAR player so far according to FanGraphs.

Given that he’s still relatively young (27), and is under contract through 2023, it seems unlikely that the Orioles would consider moving him. That said, he’s essentially the only player on their roster capable of landing them a sizable return in a trade. That’s a significant incentive for a team that’s in the midst of what’s going to be a very slow and painful rebuild to move him. Keep an eye on him in the coming days.

Jose Abreu, RHB, Chicago White Sox

Jose Abreu has consistently found himself in the conversation among the best first basemen in the American League. Though he’s no longer that kind of impact talent, he’s still a solid bat at that position.

Abreu’s bat still grades out as above the league average. Though his BB% is a career worst in 2019 (4.6%), his WRC+ is still above average (106) thanks to a solid batting average (.271) and slugging percentage (.487). He’s on pace to approach 30+ home runs for the third time in his career.

He’s never been a quality defender. At this point in his career he’s essentially relegated to being a DH. That said, he can still be a valuable bat.

With him set to hit the free agent market this winter, there’s little incentive for Chicago to keep hold of him ahead of the deadline. Look for Abreu to be linked with moves away.

Justin Smoak, Switch Hitter, Toronto Blue Jays

Justin Smoak has been a nice story. After looking like a busted prospect several seasons ago, Smoak found his footing with Toronto over the past three seasons, emerging as one of the better power bats in the Majors.

Smoak is in the midst of another fine offensive season in 2019. Though his batting average sits at just .212 at the moment, Smoak has been drawing walks at a career best rate of 16.2%. That’s helping to prop up his OPS to .758 despite having a slugging percentage that his just north of .400 (.407). His WRC+ of 106 suggests he’s still been above-the-league-average offensively.

Defensively, Smoak isn’t nearly as much of a liability as Abreu or Mancini, but he’s still below average.

Anyone looking to acquire Smoak will be hoping for a hot second half. He’s coming off 3.6 and 1.7 WAR seasons. He’s also under contract at a reasonable amount through 2020. Look for the Blue Jays to entertain offers for him.

Depth Options at First Base

Beyond these three solid options, one other player could be worth a look at first base.

Dominic Smith, LHB, New York Mets

Dominic Smith was one of the Mets highest rated prospects just a few short seasons ago,  but he struggled significantly in his first two stints in the Majors. In 2019, Smith may be finding his stride.

Smith is in the midst of a fine offensive season. His slash line is currently all career bests, standing at .291/.368/.533. The hit and power tools that gave him much of his prospect value are finally beginning to show up in 2019. His WRC+ stands well-above-average at 139.

Because of Peter Alonso‘s emergence as a potential star at first base, Smith has split time between his natural position and left field. He’s actually been an a good defender in left this season, posting average or better metrics in several defensive categories.

With Alonso blocking his path at first base, the Mets will have to make a decision on what to do with Smith. They may keep him given his age (24) and his controllable years. However, they may still be open to a deal if they believe he can’t be a long-term option in left field. Teams would be wise to inquire about him, even if he’s extremely unlikely to move.

There are several players that qualify as solid options who are either utility players in the truest sense of the word, or are solid options at one position. If the Milwaukee Brewers are going to add a bat at the deadline, these are the players they’re most likely to explore getting.

Brian Anderson, RHB, Miami Marlins

Brian Anderson has positioned himself as one of the few valuable position players on the Miami Marlins roster.

After being a 3.4 WAR player last season for them, Anderson is nearly on pace to match that again in 2019 (his WAR is currently a 1.6).

Anderson has never been an elite power hitter, but he provides offensive value through his ability to both hit for contact and draw walks. Anderson posted a slash line of .273/.357/.400 in 2018, and currently sits at .244/.326/.425 in 2019. He’s already hit a career high 13 home runs this year through just 96 appearances.

Where Anderson’s real value is coming from in 2019 is his ability to defend well. Anderson has been one of the best defensive third basemen in 2019, with ten Defensive Runs Saved at the hot corner. He’s also been passable in right field in the 245+ innings he’s played out there.

Like Baltimore, Miami is in the midst of a painful rebuild. Even if they view Anderson as a solid piece now, they’d be wise to entertain a deal for him given that he’s under contract through 2024. He could land them several decent prospects.

Elvis Andrus, RHB, Texas Rangers

Elvis Andrus has staked himself out as one of the most consistent shortstops in baseball over the past decade. 2019 has been no different.

Andrus has been a 1.8 WAR player so far in 2019. His offensive stats don’t just off the page anymore, but he still provides value on offense. Andrus’s slash line sits at a respectable .287/.327/.425. Though his bat grades out as below-average (his WRC+ is 91), he is a constant threat on the bases. Andrus already has 21 steals in 2019, and is on pace to approach his best total in that category since he stole 42 in 2013.

What’s made him such a valuable player throughout his career, though, is his defense. Though his DRS is minus eight right now on the season, he does grade out as at or above average in several other defensive metrics. He’s also been an above-average or better defender in most of his MLB seasons.

Andrus is on a decently expensive contract, but he can opt out at the end of this year. With the Milwaukee Brewers struggling to get consistent production at shortstop, Andrus could make some sense as a player to help them stabilize that position should he become available. His career production, coupled with his extensive post-season experience, could be a major asset for them.

Derek Dietrich, LHB, Cincinnati Reds

Derek Dietrich was someone whom the Milwaukee Brewers were linked with just one season ago around the MLB Trade deadline. Though he’s on a different team now, he could be back on the market in 2019.

Dietrich has been one of the players who’s been able to take advantage of not only the juiced ball, but from playing in a very hitter friendly park. His average is a career low .216 right now, but his OPS of .887 is the best of his career. Dietrich, however, has always been an above-the-league-average bat. He’s posted an WRC+ over 100 in all but his rookie season in the Majors.

Beyond his offensive value, Dietrich can play second and third base, as well left field. His best defensive position is second base, but he can be at least an average defender at the other two positions. His defense improving this year is part of the reason why he has a WAR of 1.9, the second best total of his career.

With the Reds looking like they’re virtually out of contention now, they may consider offers for him. His power and positional flexibility make him an intriguing option for anyone looking to add a bat.

Freddy Galvis, RHB, Toronto Blue Jays

Freddy Galvis has bounced around the league a bit in recent seasons, but he’s consistently been over a one WAR player since 2015.

Galvis is in the midst of his best offensive season of his career. His WRC+ is a 99, virtually at the league average. Galvis is posting bests in batting average (.274), on-base percentage (.310), slugging percentage (.454), and OPS (.765). Before this year, though, he’s always been a below-average to well-below average  bat

The real value that Galvis has provided throughout his career is his defense. Though he’s shown some regression in that area since his peak defensive years in 2015-16, he still grades out around average or better depending on what metrics you look at for shortstop.

With him on a cheap contract, and having a career year, Galvis might make some sense for a team looking for a solid option at short.

Danny Santana, Switch Hitter, Texas Rangers

After showing real promise in his rookie year in 2014, when he was a 3.9 WAR player, Danny Santana‘s production fell off a cliff. In 2019, however, he’s been able to take advantage of the juiced ball.

Santana’s batting average currently sits at one of the highest marks in the Majors at .320. Though that’s being fueled by an unsustainably high BABIP  of .399, he is making hard contact on over 45.5% of the batted balls he’s put in play thus far, one of the highest marks in baseball. He’s also near or in the top fourth of the league in several categories such as exit velocity, hard contact percentage, and speed. Santana’s OPS stands at .910, by the far the best mark of his career.

In addition to having a great offensive season, Santana can provide value by being able to play several positions in the field. He’s not great at defending any one position, but he can at least be passable across the diamond and in any of the three outfield positions.

If you’re looking for a utility option who can hit, you’d be hard pressed to find a better option than him. Even if 2019 is an aberration, a team might be wise to take a chance on him at the deadline.

Eric Sogard, LHB, Toronto Blue Jays

Eric Sogard has rebounded from an atrocious 2018 with the Milwaukee Brewers to become, once again, a valuable option.

Sogard is in the midst of his best offensive season, just like many other players around the league. His slash line stands at .305/.369/.491. His power surge in 2019, which has his OPS .859, is why his bat grades out as well-above-average thus far (WRC+ of 128).

Though he’s played most of his time at second base so far, Sogard can move across the diamond or in the outfield as a utility option.

Given that’s he’s been a 2.2 WAR player so far, there’s no doubt that several teams will explore getting him as a utility option at the deadline. Whether the Milwaukee Brewers would be willing to give up assets for a player they DFA’d just 12 months ago remains to be seen.

Depth Options

Beyond these players there’s a few others who could make sense for the Milwaukee Brewers as depth options.

Greg Garcia, LHB, San Diego Padres

Greg Garcia has found a role as a decent infield utility option for the Padres this season.

Garcia has split time between second and third base, with most of playing time coming at second. Garcia grades out as an average or better defender at second, has also done a passable job defending short and third in his career.

Where Garcia’s new found value is coming from, though, is a return to the offensive success that made him a 1.6 WAR player in St. Louis in 2016. Garcia has a slash .267/.355/.401. He’s never been a power hitter, but he has been able to hit for a decent average and draw a lot of walks throughout his career.

He may not be as buzz-worthy as the players discussed on the solid options list, but Garcia could be a good addition as an infield utility option for a contender.

Miguel Rojas, RHB, Miami Marlins

Miguel Rojas is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game that you haven’t heard about.

Rojas has posted a WAR of 2.2, 2.4, and 2.5 in each of the past three seasons including this year. Most of his value comes from his near gold-glove defending, where his defensive WAR has been a 0.8, 1.7, and 1.9 in each of the past three seasons.

Beyond his incredible defense at short, Rojas is at least passable offensively. He posted an OPS+ of 103 in 2017, and has an 89 OPS+ this year. He doesn’t hit for any power, but his best offensive seasons have come from his ability to hit for a good average (he’s hitting .289 right now).

Rojas is 30 years old. His age doesn’t mesh with the Marlins rebuilding time-line. Given that this is the case, it stands to reason that the Marlins will entertain offers for him ahead of the deadline this year.

Niko Goodrum, RHB, Detroit Tigers

Niko Goodrum has turned himself into a valuable utility options for the Detroit Tigers over the past two seasons.

Goodrum was a 1.1 WAR player last season thanks to his above-average bat. (WRC+ of 103). In 2019, he’s been even better, with a WAR currently at 1.4.

In 2019, Goodrum has maintained virtually the same batting average (.244) and on-base percentage (.318) as last season (.244/.315). His slugging percentage is tad lower (.407), but he’s shown improvement on the base paths, stealing 11 bases through 86 games compared to 12 in 131 games last year.

Defensively, Goodrum has played virtually every position in the field except catcher. He grades out as average or better at short, and is good in the infield overall. He’s not as good in the outfield defensively, but can at least do a job at all three spots if asked.

Given his bat and his ability to play all positions, Goodrum should be in demand at the deadline. The Tigers may be reluctant to move him, but they’re not in a position where keeping a utility guy in the early stages of rebuild makes a lot of sense.

Jose Iglesias, RHB, Cincinnati Reds

One final option to appear on the infield list is Jose Iglesias.

Iglesias is not, and never has been a great offensive player. His WRC+ in 2019 stands at just 77. He does, however, provide substantial value through his defense.

In terms of defensive metrics, Iglesias has been in the conversation for the gold-glove in virtually every season he’s been in the league. His eight DRS in 2019 is the best mark of his career to date.

He may only be a 0.4 WAR player so far, but Iglesias has consistently been a 1.5 to 2.5 WAR player because of his glove. With the Reds fading in the playoff race, a contender may want to pick up Iglesias for his glove. He could make a nice insurance option for short for the Milwaukee Brewers.

There could be a few good outfielders on the market this July as well. The Milwaukee Brewers may not have a need in the outfield right now, but they might explore some of these options if there is value to be had in a deal.

Starling Marte, RHB, Pittsburgh Pirates

Starling Marte has been a model of consistency for the Pirates over his career. A real argument could be made that’s he a top-tier option for anyone looking to add at the deadline.

Marte has been an above-average hitter in all but one season of his career. His WRC+ in 2019 currently sits at 106. Marte has always hit for average, thanks to his elite speed, and has also been a solid power hitter for someone who plays the vast majority of his games in center field. His slugging percentage so far in 2019 is a career high .481.

On the bases, Marte is still a great runner. He’s stolen over 30 bases five times in his MLB career. In 2019, he’s stolen 13 thus far.

Defensively, Marte grades out as average in center field in most defensive metrics. However, when he’s played in left, he’s been a gold-glove caliber defender.

The Pirates have fallen back a bit in the playoff picture. Given that Marte is already 30, and has options taking him through the 2021 season, the Pirates might be wise to entertain moving him for a massive return. If they do, Marte could be one of the most impactful players to move at the deadline.

Yasiel Puig, RHB, Cincinnati Reds

Like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati has fallen well-behind the NL playoff race. That may make soon-to-be free agent, Yasiel Puig, available.

Puig is a valuable player thanks to his bat. Though his WRC+ is currently a career low for a season at 102 in 2019, Puig has still been solid with the bat thanks to .802 OPS. Puig is already just one home run shy of tying his mark from last season (23), and he has already stolen the third most bases (13) he ever has in a season.

Defensively, Puig’s capable of being well-above average to gold-glove caliber at times. He has an elite arm and can make incredible plays at times in the field.

Puig is a very good player and has been for a long-time already. Any contender in need of a corner outfield bat should seriously entertain getting him.

Nick Castellanos, RHB, Detroit Tigers

Nick Castellanos has been a very good hitter for several years running.

Castellanos has posted an OPS over .800 four consecutive Major League seasons. In 2019, he’s continued that success, posting a slash line .284/.342/.480. He has hit only 11 home runs so far this season, but he does have 34 doubles to go with that, a total that puts him on pace to tie or exceed his career best mark of 46 last year.

Defensively, he’s awful. Castellanos was a three WAR player just one season ago despite being, by virtually every defensive metric, the worst defender in baseball. He hasn’t been quite as bad in 2019, but he still grades out as well-below average in the field.

Any team acquiring him would be getting him for his offensive profile. Perhaps a move to first base is in the cards and would make the most sense for him defensively if an NL team gets him. He was a third baseman earlier in his career before being sent into the outfield which suggests he could be at serviceable at first. Regardless of the defense, though, Castellanos will be in demand.

Alex Gordon, LHB, Kansas City Royals

Alex Gordon is having a fine return to form in 2019. After dropping off offensively after the Royals won the 2015 World Series, Gordon has returned to a similar level of production in 2019 that he had back then.

Gordon’s slash line stands at a solid .278/.354/.439. His WRC+ of 108 is the highest rating he’s had since that fateful 2015 season. Gordon has never been a great power-hitter, but he’s always provided substantial value through his ability to hit for contact and draw walks at a high rate.

Defensively, Gordon has been a gold glove defender for most of his career. His metrics aren’t quite there this season, but he was among the leaders in DRS just one season in ago in left with 18 Defensive Runs Saved.

Gordon’s contract is a bit pricey, but is for all intents and purposes an expiring contract as his 2020 option is mutual. Given that the Royals are fighting for the top pick in the draft, both parties may want to look towards giving Gordon one last shot at competing for a title. He’s still a solid player.

Corey Dickerson, LHB, Pittsburgh Pirates

One last outfielder who could be available at the trade deadline is Corey Dickerson of the Pirates.

Dickerson is coming off of back-to-back seasons where he was really good. He was a 2.6 WAR player in 2017 for the Rays, and was a 2.7 WAR player just a year ago with the Pirates.

Though he just came back from injury, Dickerson looks like his old self in 2019. His slash line currently stands at .305/.364/.505, a line that exceeds either of the slash lines he had in each of the past two seasons. He doesn’t have jump-off-the-page home run power, but he’s posted an OPS over .800 in four of the past fives seasons. He has 15 doubles already in just 105 at-bats this year.

Defensively, Dickerson is at least average or better in left. He was, however, one of the best defenders in the outfield in baseball just a season ago, posting a DRS of 16.

With Dickerson approaching free agency after the 2020 season, Pittsburgh may want to entertain moving him now. He could land them a stellar return if they play their cards right at the deadline.