Brewers select contract of very appropriately named outfielder from minors

They say that sometimes the headlines just write themselves. This is definitely one of those times.

Though much of the focus the last couple days has been on the MLB draft which is in full swing, the Milwaukee Brewers made a roster transaction on the first day of the All-Star break. And Brewers fans will love the sound of this one.

The Brewers selected the contract of outfielder Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A Nashville on Monday afternoon. He was not added to the active roster, however, instead being immediately optioned down to Triple-A.

Hicklen was a 7th round pick of the Royals back in 2017 and got to the majors in 2022 with the organization, getting just four plate appearances over the course of six games. He would be traded to the Phillies late last season but wouldn't make a major league appearance for them and would become a free agent after the season.

The Brewers would sign Hicklen to a minor league contract last November with an invite to spring training where he would put up a decent showing. In 17 games, he would hit just .226 but have an OPS of .895 on the back of two doubles and three homers.

At Triple-A, Hicklen has been one of the best hitters on the Sounds all year. In 72 games he is batting .270 with an impressive .954 OPS, which leads Sounds regulars on the season. He also is the team leader on the season in home runs (19), RBIs (55), stolen bases (26), and runs scored (55).

But why would a player have his contract selected only to be optioned right back to where he just came from? Well, as Adam McCalvy of MLB.com points out, Hicklen had an opt out coming up in his minor league contract and the Brewers wanted to make sure they kept him in the organization.

To make room for Hicklen on the 40-man roster, Oliver Dunn was transferred to the 60-day injured list. The Brewers rookie had originally been placed on the 10-day IL just a week ago and now may not return this season.

With the amount of outfielders the Brewers have used this season, there's a good chance Hicklen gets a shot in the majors even for a little bit in 2024. When it happens, the fact that Brewers fans will be watching Brewer play for the Brewers will be one of the most fun moments of the season.