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Brewers: Is Wilmer Flores a target in free agency?

By John Schnabl

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: Wilmer Flores #41 of the Arizona Diamondbacks reacts after striking out to end the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: Wilmer Flores #41 of the Arizona Diamondbacks reacts after striking out to end the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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The Brewers still have some question marks when it comes to their infield in 2020, so free agent Wilmer Flores should be an option the team explores.

Flores’ career so far

Most Brewers fans will remember Wilmer Flores as the player that started to cry on the field after incorrectly assuming he had been traded to Milwaukee from the Mets in 2015. Flores played for the Mets for three more seasons after that and then moved on to the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 2019 season. The Diamondbacks then declined his option following last season.

Flores provides position versatility which is something the Brewers like in a player. In his seven-year career he has played over 140 games at all four infield positions. Last year he was used primarily as a second baseman.

His career batting stats are rather pedestrian with a slash line of only .268/.310/.432. However, at age 27, in 265 at-bats last season, his offensive numbers improved quite a bit. Flores slashed .317/.361/.487 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs. What’s most impressive about his 2019 season was that he was able to get on-base at a much higher rate compared to the rest of his career. This may be an indicator that at age 27, he has finally figured it out offensively.

Where would Flores play

Flores could be a nice option in a third base platoon situation for the Brewers. He could also provide some insurance if Luis Urias doesn’t reach his potential or Orlando Arcia continues to struggle at the plate. Flores could also be an option at first base when Justin Smoak needs a break or as a defensive or injury replacement for Keston Hiura who has shown he still needs some work defensively.

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If the Brewers don’t further solidify their infield, mainly third base, via trade or free agency, Flores should be an option they take a hard look at. He provides position versatility, has improved offensively and wouldn’t cost a lot to sign. He was almost a Brewer in 2015 so maybe he finally gets to Milwaukee, just a few years later than originally expected.

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