Brewers: Is Asdrubal Cabrera a target in free agency?

Since the Brewers released Hernan Perez and outrighted Corey Spangenberg, they are in need of a player who can take on a multi-position infield role. That player could be Asdrubal Cabrera.

The now 35 year old Asdrubal Cabrera started the 2019 season with the Texas Rangers on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million. He only managed a 235/.318/.393 slash line with the Rangers and Texas released Cabrera in late July. The Washington Nationals quickly picked him up and he became an instant contributor for them during their championship season.

Cabrera finished the 2019 season with a .260/.342/.441 batting output and also had 18 homers and 91 RBIs. He posted a very solid season considering how poorly it went most of the year while he was in Texas.

Why target Cabrera in free agency?

In addition to his solid on-base percentage and his ability to hit for power, Cabrera can play shortstop, third base and second base. The Milwaukee Brewers have traditionally coveted players, especially infielders, who can play multiple positions.

Cabrera also has extensive playoff experience over this 13 year career. He has played in the postseason five times including last season’s World Series. When looking at WAR, Cabrera was at 1.7 in 2019 compared to other Brewers utility players such as Hernan Perez and Cory Spangenberg. In 2019 Perez’s WAR was 0.0 and Spangenberg was at 0.3. Cabrera could be a possible shortstop option if Orlando Arcia continues to struggle at the plate in 2020.

In summary, Cabrera could offer the Brewers a player that provides position flexibility, a solid bat on a short term, relatively inexpensive contract. I would be surprised if the Brewers aren’t kicking the tires on Cabrera this off-season, and seek to add him on an affordable one-year deal. Cabrera has proven that he’s capable of being a solid 25th man on a playoff team, and that’s a role the Brewers could use him in.