Brewers Rumors: Crew Reportedly In Trade Talks For Ramon Laureano

The Milwaukee Brewers are on the search for some offensive help at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline. That search is taking them to Oakland A’s outfielder Ramon Laureano.

Outfield is the easiest positional fit the Brewers have at this year’s Deadline. With the departure of veteran Lorenzo Cain and the offensive struggles of Tyrone Taylor and Jonathan Davis, centerfield is an obvious upgrade opportunity.

One of the best centerfielders on the market is Ramon Laureano of the Oakland A’s.

The latest Brewers rumors have Milwaukee talking about acquiring outfielder Ramon Laureano at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline.

Jon Heyman has reported the Brewers have talked to the Oakland A’s about Laureano. The 28 year old outfielder returned from a PED suspension earlier this season and has played fairly well. He is eligible for the postseason this year as his suspension began last season.

Through 70 games this year, Laureano is hitting .224 with 14 doubles, 10 homers, and a 104 OPS+. While his numbers this season don’t jump off the page, historically he’s been an above-average hitter with solid power and excellent defense. Perhaps a move away from the Coliseum on Oakland and into American Family Field will help his numbers improve even more.

Laureano has earned high marks for his defense as well, although his numbers this season show him to be a far better right fielder than center fielder. Still, the Brewers likely believe those defensive metrics can bounce back with more regular time in center.

One of the big draws to Laureano isn’t his performance on the field this season, but the long term control the team would have before he reaches free agency, Laureano won’t become a free agent until after the 2025 season. That’s three and a half seasons of an above-average hitting centerfielder. That makes him a bit more costly but also makes him a more attractive trade target for the Brewers.

He’s earning just $2MM in arbitration this season and his raises at least for next season are likely to be modest, especially coming off his PED suspension. With an ever growing payroll and a number of high profile arbitration eligible players, that makes Laureano an even more attractive target for Milwaukee.

Currently, the Brewers lack a bridge to their top prospects in centerfield. Garrett Mitchell and Sal Frelick may not be ready in time for the start of the 2023 season and Jackson Chourio is coming up fast behind them, but not that fast. Laureano can be that bridge.

Because of those three extra seasons of control, the cost to acquire Laureano may be higher. Still, they need an upgrade in center and Laureano provides just that.

The 2022 MLB Trade Deadline is just a few days away. The Brewers are making some calls and at least one of them has been about Ramon Laureano.