Brewers: Early Returns On The Hunter Renfroe Trade Are Good

Back in November, mere minutes prior to the lockout being initiated, the Brewers swung a trade with the Boston Red Sox to acquire Hunter Renfroe.

With Avisail Garcia hitting the free agent market, the trade made Hunter Renfroe the everyday right fielder. Early numbers are showing that this trade is working in the Brewers favor.

How has Hunter Renfroe performed for the Brewers so far in 2022?

Renfroe has been on a tear as of late. Over his last eight games he has compiled 13 hits with five of them going for extra bases. His season numbers are at a .267 batting average, .519 slugging percentage, nine home runs, and a 130 wRC+. He has accumulated a 1.0 fWAR on the season, which is the second highest on the Brewers.

Defensively, Renfroe’s arm has been on display. He has already thrown out five base runners and has two outfield assists. Runners typically tend not to run on him, but when they do he usually throws them out.

If Renfroe continues at this pace, he will be on pace a ~3.5-4.0 WAR season. For reference, last year’s right fielder Avisail Garcia finished with a 2.7 fWAR.

What about the return? How are Jackie Bradley Jr, David Hamilton, and Alex Binelas doing? 

Despite returning to Boston, a place where JBJ previously had a lot of success, he is struggling offensively again this year. He has played in 36 games, has a 67 wRC+, and just a 0.1 fWAR. The Red Sox got off to a slow start to the season but they have won seven out of their last 10 games and are creeping back to a .500 record.

David Hamilton is currently playing in the Red Sox Double-A affiliate. Speed continues to be the shortstop’s greatest asset and he is picking right up from where he left off in the stolen base department. In 2021 he compiled 52 stolen bases. This year he already has swiped 17 bases.

Alex Binelas was assigned to the Red Sox High-A affiliate.  He is off to a good start in the power department this year as he has already matched his home run total from last year with nine. He also is displaying a great eye at the plate and his 30 free passes has resulted in an OBP over .400.

For the Brewers, this trade has positively impacted the major league team. The prospect losses of Hamilton and Binelas may be tough to stomach down the road, but replacing JBJ and his contract at the big league level with Renfroe has been a huge improvement.

We are about one fourth of the way through the 2022 season, so hopefully Renfroe can continue to play well in all facets of the game!