Brewers: 3 Players Most Likely To Be Traded This Offseason

With the MLB offseason set to begin shortly after the end of the World Series, that means trading season can officially open, which the Milwaukee Brewers could be active in.

With the new rules surrounding the July 31st trade deadline that went into effect this season, there couldn’t be any trades involving big league players from after July 31st all the way through the end of the World Series. (For example, the Brewers made a minor league trade in early September).

Now that the World Series is nearing its conclusion and the offseason is set to begin for all teams, it’s time to look at some possible trade candidates from the Milwaukee Brewers.

1. OF Ben Gamel

As disappointing as this may be for the members of the Ben Gamel fan club, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Gamel is on the trade block and eventually moved this winter.

Despite putting up strong first half numbers and becoming a fan favorite, Gamel struggled in the second half and eventually lost his 4th outfielder job to former first round pick Trent Grisham. Grisham solidified himself in that role and was a key piece down the stretch while Gamel’s at-bats got fewer and farther in between.

With Gamel being reduced to the 5th outfielder, there’s going to be fewer opportunities for him to get playing time. Although with the constant need for maintenance on Ryan Braun and Lorenzo Cain, he could still see some decent time.

The Brewers also have plenty of outfield depth in their minor league system. Tyrone Taylor finally got the call in September and could see more at-bats in 2020, as well as Corey Ray, one of the Crew’s top prospects, who should see some big league time in 2020.

One thing that could work in Gamel’s favor in terms of sticking with the Brewers for 2020 is the roster expansion that’s expected to happen this winter. MLB is expected to allow teams to have a 26 man active roster next year instead of 25, which opens up an extra spot that Gamel can take.

Another thing working for Gamel is that he does still have a minor league option remaining, which is flexibility that the Brewers really love.

Originally acquired from the Mariners along with Noah Zavolas in exchange for Domingo Santana, the Brewers got the flexibility they were looking for, as well as a more contact-oriented bat. While Gamel provided good value at 0.9 WAR per Fangraphs, it could be time for another change for him. With the other, highly touted outfield options that can overtake Gamel, he’ll most likely find more playing time elsewhere.

He wouldn’t bring back a huge haul, but he could possibly be used to get a serviceable bullpen arm and possibly a lower-end prospect.