Former Brewers prospect thriving in his new home after 2025 deadline trade

Back in July, the Milwaukee Brewers brought home Wisconsin native Danny Jansen in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. With William Contreras dealing with a fractured finger, the Brewers needed additional insurance behind the plate. However, the price for that depth was significant, as Milwaukee parted with one of its top infield prospects, Jadher Areinamo.

As is often the risk when trading high-end prospects, even though Milwaukee dealt from an area of strength in its infield depth, Areinamo has flourished since leaving the Brewers organization.

Recently traded Milwaukee Brewers prospect Jadher Areinamo is thriving as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays

Originally signed as a teenage prospect out of Maracay, Venezuela, Areinamo has long shown a knack for hitting for average. In his first professional season in 2021, he batted .276 over 44 games. He followed that with seasons hitting .288, .306, .301, and most recently .285, each across much larger sample sizes, further solidifying his reputation as a consistent contact hitter.

Furthermore, his strikeout rate, plate discipline, swing decisions, and slugging ability have all trended upward each season. Even so, he never advanced beyond High-A in the Brewers organization. After joining the Rays, however, he was immediately placed in Double-A, reflecting their confidence in his abilities.

Notably, Areinamo has been tearing up the Venezuelan Winter League, going on a home run surge with 10 homers in just 26 games. He’s added six doubles as well, giving him an astonishing .735 slugging percentage this winter.

To top it off, Areinamo was recently added to the Rays’ 40-man roster. With being MLB Rule 5 Draft eligible this offseason, the move further signals Tampa Bay’s confidence in him, and likely was a smart decision given the attention he has been generating.

Right now, this trade has all the makings of one that could sting for the Brewers. With Areinamo's skill set, history of success, and recent power surge in winter ball, he has the potential to become a key contributor for the Rays. That could make the cost of moving him a tough pill to swallow if he continues on this trajectory.