Brewers rumors: Crew listed as potential trade fit for rival infielder

The Milwaukee Brewers have been listed as potential trade destination for a Cincinnati Reds infielder.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com recently wrote a piece on eight trade candidates whose stock has been rising in recent days.

On that list is versatile infielder Brandon Drury who has spent the 2022 season as a member of the Cincinnati Reds and has been breaking out in a big way.

Since the Reds are struggling to compete (they are 25-47 and in last place in the NL Central), it only makes sense that the club would look to trade not only Drury but Luis Castillo, Tommy Pham, Tyler Mahle, and possibly even Joey Votto.

Could the Brewers and Reds line up in a deal come the trade deadline?

Intra-division trades are not very common in Major League Baseball, but the Brewers represent a sneaky trade destination for the 29-year old Drury.

The last trade of any significance between the Brewers and Reds came all the way back in 2014 when the Crew landed relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton from Cincy in exchange for two minor league pitchers who didn’t end up contributing much at the big league level.

In Drury, the Brewers could land a player that fits the mold they have grown to love over the years, as he hits for power and can bounce around all over the diamond, making professional appearances at every position but catcher and center field since he broke into the league back in 2015.

Drury was once a highly touted prospect who never turned into much at the big league level, spending time with the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Yankees and Mets before finding a home in Cincinnati, where he has blossomed.

The 29-year old Drury has 62 games under his belt this season and has 15 home runs, 38 RBI and a 125 OPS+. He is on pace to shatter career-highs in nearly all offensive categories come season’s end and he has a legitimate shot at being the Reds representative at this year’s All-Star Game.

The Brewers should be able to get away with trading some fringe major league players and perhaps a middle-of-the-road minor league prospect for Drury who, despite the strong start to the season, has no real track record of extended successes.

Should a deal come together between the two teams, the Brewers could fit Drury into their plans by replacing one of Jace Peterson, Keston Hiura, Mike Brosseau or Pablo Reyes on the active roster to make way for their newest bat.