Brewers: 5 Fast Rising Prospects Who Could Be Trade Bait At The Deadline

Brewers prospect trade chip #2: C Matthew Wood

Based on his performance this year, Matthew Wood should be rising up prospects lists during the mid-season re-ranks. He hit .293 with a .956 OPS with the Carolina Mudcats before being promoted to High-A Wisconsin.

A 4th round pick last year, Wood is an advanced hitter from the college ranks that has walked more than he's struck out. He's solid behind the plate and swings a good bat from the left side. He's a very good, very valuable prospect.

Catching is always in high demand, especially catchers who can swing lefty and swing it well. The Brewers may not want to part with him for that reason but it'll be an easier pill to swallow when you remember that Jeferson Quero is swinging the bat even better at a more advanced level in Double-A plus William Contreras is here for the next five years. Milwaukee's catching department is in good hands and they could withstand moving Wood in a trade for another upgrade.

Teams will be calling about Wood and he's currently ranked 24th on MLB Pipeline's Brewers Top 30, though he's sure to move higher when they re-do the list. He would be a solid return for a rental piece or part of a bigger deal for a player with longer term control.

Wood has a pretty high floor as a backup catcher in the big leagues but his bat could be good enough to make him an everyday starter. Someone dreaming on that upside will be trying to get the Brewers to part ways with him. Since the Brewers are in good hands with Contreras and then Quero, they could be convinced to move him.