Brewers Sign Jedd Gyorko To Add To Third Base Mix

The Milwaukee Brewers have found a solution to their third base problem, sort of.

With concerns from Brewers fans all offseason about the state of the third base position, so far GM David Stearns hadn’t done much to address the position. Eric Sogard and Ryon Healy were signed to contracts and they both have experience at third, but would not be considered everyday third basemen.

Now, he’s added another name to the mix, with a lot of experience at the position.

Per Ken Rosenthal, the Brewers have signed free agent Jedd Gyorko to a contract for the 2020 season.

Gyorko is coming off a terrible season in 2019, where he only played in 62 games between the Cardinals and Dodgers. He had played in at least 125 games in the previous four seasons.

Salary details were not immediately known.

Who Is Jedd Gyorko?

Gyorko came up with the San Diego Padres, making his debut in 2013, and never hit higher than .250 in three seasons there. Then he went to the St. Louis Cardinals, and his offensive numbers went up, unsurprisingly. He posted an above .800 OPS in 2016 and 2017 with the Redbirds. In 2016, Gyorko hit 30 home runs with St. Louis, and perhaps the Brewers can find that power again.

The 31-year-old has experience all around the infield, with the majority of his time at second base and third base. Given Keston Hiura‘s position, it’s unlikely Gyorko will be at second base much.

Gyorko had several injuries in 2019, dealing with problems with his wrist, back, hamstring, and hand issues. He had only 92 at-bats last season.

What’s The Plan For Gyorko?

After the 2019 season he had, it’ll be difficult for the Brewers to entrust the regular, everyday third base duties to Gyorko out of the gate. It’s also difficult to see them entrusting it to anyone else in the third base mix.

It’s looking like another platoon at third base.

The Brewers are going to have to let Gyorko, Sogard, and Healy battle it out in spring training and whoever is hot to start the season will get the bulk of the opportunities. Gyorko has a career .796 OPS against lefties, which would make him a logical platoon partner with Sogard.

If Gyorko is healthy, he’s proven he can be a somewhat effective player. He’s somewhat similar to Mike Moustakas’ level, and he could provide some value.

If the Brewers don’t acquire anyone else to play third base this offseason, then it’s going to be a combination of the current trio of infielders with third base experience. It’s a bold and risky gamble for GM David Stearns.

Stearns said the other day that he would be surprised if they didn’t make more additions. It’s unclear if this move is all that he meant would be coming or if there’s still more to do.