In previewing the Brewers’ 2016 lineup yesterday, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported a number of different trade-related items, noting that in addition to catcher Jonathan Lucroy, outfielder Khris Davis has drawn some interest on the trade market this offseason.
Clubs looking for offense in the outfield have contacted Milwaukee about Davis, per Haudricourt, and the team does have a logical in-house replacement in the form of Domingo Santana, who was acquired in the Carlos Gomez trade this past summer. Haudricourt notes that Santana currently projects to bounce around the outfield, seeing time at all three positions, although that role will probably limit his at-bats. While some might suggest Santana should simply handle center field on an everyday basis, it’s worth noting that his glove profiles better in an outfield corner than in center field. A rebuilding club like the Brewers could probably get away with playing him in center despite the lackluster results, but with both Davis and Ryan Braun under club control through 2019 (or, in Braun’s case, 2020), there’s no immediate opening for regular at-bats for Santana in the long-term.
Davis, who turned 28 in December, has batted .250/.315/.494 in two-and-a-half seasons at the Major League level, belting 60 home runs in 321 games/1142 plate appearances. That power production, while impressive, figures to begin earning him some notable salaries next offseason when he hits arbitration, though, so there’s some logic to the Brewers moving him while he still has one highly affordable pre-arbitration season remaining. While he grades out as a below-average defender in left field, Davis nonetheless hit 27 homers in 440 plate appearances last season and has posted relatively even platoon splits throughout his career to this point. Haudricourt notes that Davis would be moved “if the right offer” came along.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Haudricourt also writes that the Brewers “would not hesitate” to move Ryan Braun, should a “sensible” offer present itself. Braun is entering the first season of a five-year, $105MM extension this season, and while a PED suspension and some injuries have brought down his reputation somewhat, the 32-year-old was outstanding at the plate in 2015, batting .285/.356/.498 with 25 home runs and 24 stolen bases. Braun’s glovework was less impressive, although Defensive Runs Saved felt that he turned in much better results in his second season as a right fielder than in his first. Regardless, $21MM per year over the next five seasons would represent a hefty commitment to a player entering his age-32 season, especially considering the fact that he underwent lower back surgery this offseason and has twice had to undergo a cryotherapy treatment for a damaged nerve in his right thumb.
Turning to Lucroy, Haudricourt writes that teams “continue to inquire” about the affordable catcher, but GM David Stearns has as many reasons to retain Lucroy as he does trade him at this point. Lucroy’s value is down somewhat on the heels of a season that was slowed by a fractured toe and ended with concussion problems, so there’s definitely some sense in hanging onto the 29-year-old and letting him rebuild some of that value. Given his $4MM salary in 2016 and $5.25MM club option for the 2017 season, there’s little financial harm in doing so, and Lucroy would still be a desirable trade piece this summer. Additionally, as Haudricourt notes, the Brewers don’t have a young catching prospect knocking on the door, as they do at shortstop in Orlando Arcia. Of course, holding Lucroy does carry the risk of further injury or of the once-excellent backstop simply not returning to form and thereby further diminishing his trade value.
And lastly, having already mentioned Arcia, Haudricourt points out that his proximity to the Major Leagues will soon force the Brewers into a decision of sorts. Arcia is the shortstop of the future in Milwaukee, which means that Jean Segura could either be traded or moved to second base in the near future. If the latter outcome proves to be the Brewers’ desired course of action, then a trade of second baseman Scooter Gennett becomes a possibility. While some might wonder about the possibility of a platoon between the two — Gennett, after all, has never hit left-handed pitching much — Segura doesn’t have the type of strong platoon splits one would like to see in a platoon partner for Gennett. With Segura projected to earn $3.2MM this season, he’d make for the more logical trade candidate in Milwaukee, from my perspective, if and when Arcia does force his way into the big league picture, which could happen as soon as this summer.
princeofpop
Would you fellas agree that Braun, with his risky contract, ailments and past regressions, has virtually no trade value at this point?
baumer16
I would say he has no trade value right now because he’s owed 100 mill and just had back surgery in the off season. I’m sure teams would want to take a wait and see approach with him. He actually had a decent year last year so if he does that again I definitely see someone trying to trade for him. Not sure his past steroid stuff is that big of a deal. Pro sports has proven that if you’re good nobody cares what you’ve done off the field. As sad as that sounds.
oh Hal
The Winter meetings after the suspension, Melvin said that he had a lot of teams trying to trade for him. i’m sure seeing him perform well again has value, but his “back surgery” was a disk procedure. It may have been nothing more than an injection and its doubtful he had fusion. Surgery surely sounds dramatic, but the affect on his ability is likely fairly certain already.
Pro sports teams and owners probably all care about the people they hire, but they all have PED users on their teams.
Owen National
I might like him in a nats uni.
oh Hal
Are you asking about past life regressions?
mikeyst13
He obviously still has trade value, just not enough to get a fair return. The Brewers would have to either sell way short, or pay a bunch of his salary. Either option is still viable if they really want to cut ties with him, but at this point its probably better to just hang on to him, hope he has another decent season and stays healthy, and then re-address the issue next off-season.
princeofpop
past transgressions I meant. lol
Aaron Sapoznik
Khris Davis seems like a slightly smaller and older version of Dayan Viciedo, a hitter with some pop who’s value offensively is negated by poor defense. Davis has exclusively been a LF/DH in Milwaukee while Viciedo played a fair amount of RF with the White Sox courtesy of a strong throwing arm. Viciedo also had much better splits versus lhp making him a better candidate as platoon option at a corner OF position and/or DH.
daveinmp
Viciedo has 66 career HR in 1,675 ABs. Davis has 60 career HR in 546 fewer ABs. Had he had enough AB’s to qualify, Davis would have been 3rd in the NL in HR per AB last year. They don’t in the least compare defensively either. Davis is a fine defender. He covers a lot of ground and takes good routes the ball. He just has a very weak throwing arm.
willm
Not sure if the Angels are a match, but Khris Davis would be an interesting LF fit who’s more cost effective than a big FA. He went to Fullerton and is from SoCal originally… so he’d maybe like to play at home. I’d be down 🙂
baumer16
The Angels farm system is so awful that it would seem like the Brewers would just be giving him away; I don’t see it. Unless there is someone I am missing when looking at their system.
willm
You’re probably right. If Tyler Skaggs interested them, I could part with him. We just have too many MLB SP’s at the moment and one needs to go.
A'sfaninUK
I wouldn’t give up Skaggs for Davis at all…Braun maybe but Davis isn’t actually very good at baseball. He’s slid by his 4th OF role for too long.
willm
Well I’d take Braun also haha
oh Hal
You won’t have to worry. Teams would actually scout him and consider his past performance and something like Skaggs is a complete non-starter.
angelsfansince74
I think Skaggs would make a good 7th or 8th inning pitcher. He has never been able to pitch more than 60 innings without getting hurt. The Brewers are wanting to dump salary. Wilson Cron and a couple of minor league pitchers would be enough to probably get Braun and would give the Brewers the first baseman they have been looking for. Them the Angels could go after a left handed hitting first baseman.
willm
I agree with you — Skaggs is young and had a good career in the minors, but his stint in the majors has been pretty underwhelming. I would totally be okay with moving him while his value is high-ish (injury hurt it a bit). I ultimately think he’s a little over-rated… doesn’t have an overpowering fastball and his offspeed is just okay. If Braun or Davis is attainable, I’d personally pull the trigger.
oh Hal
Except, they aren’t salary constrained, don’t need relievers and Cron isn’t very good. Stearns is also trading players that are a year from arb.
Philliesfan4life
How about Tropeano or Santiago plus a low level prospect for Davis?
SoCalShu
Until 1 or 2 go down this season which is highly likely on almost every pitching staff then you’ll be mad they traded away all their SP’s
hanks1hammer
If you think the Angels farm isn’t good enough to get Khris Davis then you will be disappointed at what Khris Davis gets as a trade package. Compare Davis’ numbers to Pedro Alvarez. Their tool sets are practically identical. Bad on defense, bad at contact and has no speed. Does one thing well; hits home runs.
Alvarez was released by the Pirates and now he can’t find a home despite that a team doesn’t even have to pay him his current salary. Players like this aren’t that valuable on the current market so it seems if the Angels wanted him, could acquire him with a couple fringy prospects. But I would think they don’t considering the emphasis they place on defense.
Philliesfan4life
I agree , If we still had Sean Newcomb and Ellis, would you of traded one of those to get Lucroy?
hanks1hammer
That’s tough. If Lucroy is producing vintage stuff than yes and I would even say he is a better target than Simmons. Simmons is the safer bet, though.
Philliesfan4life
But the problem with that is, Lucroy is under contract for two years and Simmons is for 5 years, and aybar was going to be a free agent
rodebaugh24
Two things: Hank you’re forgetting that Alvarez was in his last year of arb and would have cost a ton. Davis is still pre arb and will only cost a little over 500k. Also to compare Davis’ speed to that of Alvarez is a bit ridiculous. Angelsfan I doubt you would be able to get away with Ellis being your headliner in a deal for Lucroy.
Philliesfan4life
Newcomb would of had to be the headliner though, but would of traded both newcomb and ellis for Lucroy or Simmons both are great on defense.
baumer16
Here is part of an article I found on Davis’s trade value. I doubt a couple of fringe level prospects gets it done. He’s not worth your top prospect but I think he has some value.
Given his four years of remaining club control, there is hardly a rush to push Khris out the door. When the club does decide to get serious about moving him, however, they should be able to attract a decent package in return. The 27 year old has been among the games’ best sluggers over the last few seasons and as Morosi notes, the only player who has hit as many home runs as Davis (60) while playing in 325 or fewer games since the start of 2013 is the powerful Jose Abreu, first baseman for the White Sox.
Davis dealt with a torn meniscus that cost him about six weeks in 2015, but he still produced a terrific .247/.323/.505 batting line and “Khrushed” 27 home runs in just 440 plate appearances while he was healthy, good enough for a well above-average 121 wRC+. Those marks were all in line with his career .250/.315/.494 slash and 119 wRC+ in his two-plus seasons. Davis has proven that he’s a legitimate power threat who demonstrated a nice eye for taking walks last season with a 10% BB rate. Though he is limited to just left field he’s about an average to below defender out there as his instincts, clean routes, and all-out effort help to make up for his weak throwing arm. For his career he owns a -3 DRS and -6.0 UZR in close to 2,300 innings in left.
For what it’s worth a few speculative fits for Davis’ services could be the San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, or Kansas City Royals, who are all in the market for some help in the outfield. An American League club might make even more sense, where Davis could also fit in as a designated hitter. Perhaps one of those clubs or another could be convinced to part with a couple of prospects in exchange for four years of Khris Davis at an inexpensive rate, rather than investing $8-10 mil annually or more in a free agent contract this winter. If not, however, look for Khrush to continue his slugging ways in a Brewer uniform to start next season until the trade market comes into focus.
A'sfaninUK
Ryan Braun is such a good match in Oakland – he can play LF for the next 2 years then slide to DH. Perfect, get it done you guys.
baumer16
He would be a great fit. He’s owed 100 mill though so no way Oakland does that.
jbredsox21
Oakland would never do that. They don’t have enough money and wouldn’t want to commit over 100 million for 5 years to a guy who is already 32. Kris Davis on the other hand yes that would be a good place for him.
Philliesfan4life
Speaking of Oakland, if sonny gray became available for trade, which team would make that trade
DoolittleDoolate
The one who needs a good starting pitcher badly and a very deep prospect list.
Philliesfan4life
only three teams come to mind, boston cubs and dodgers
oh Hal
What I gleaned from the article and other comments is that the entire rotation is available as is the bullpen, Lucroy, Segura, Gennett, Maldonado and any other pieces around.
I found it interesting that he didn’t speculate that Broxton would start in CF. If the Rogers trade turns into just Supak, it looks bad. They certainly don’t need a bench OF with a half dozen candidates already.
I know its PC and fashionable to cite consumer defensive statistics, but it would be a massive failing if a major league team actually used them. They have access to actual data as well as scouting.
Davis has a weak arm, but has been excellent at fielding the ball including range and jumps. His minor league track record also suggests the potential for a better average and more walks.
baumer16
Stearns has said they are open to listening to anyone on the roster. If you’re rebuilding which the Brewers clearly are everyone should be available. Also I disagree with your take on the Rogers trade. The “prize” in that trade was always Supak. I always thought Broxton would end up being a career minor leaguer. Long shot at best type.
oh Hal
There’s a difference between listening on all players and planning on moving the entire roster. I’m not aware of any rebuilding team that traded away a lot of pre-arb players.
The odds that Supak ever throws a pitch for a major league team is likely in the single digits. If Stearns wanted to trade Broxton and Supak today, I seriously doubt he could get back more than a year or so of a mediocre middle reliever.
baumer16
Supak is only 19 years old and was a 2nd round pick. He was injured a lot of the time for his first two years but Pitt obviously thought enough of him to give him a million dollar signing bonus. Thats significant for a small market team like the Pirates. He’s a big guy too, like 6’5 so he has plenty of not only time to get better but his physical appearance makes it seem like he could still add velocity.
Rogers for the most part has been a career minor leaguer. I think he’s what 27 now? And it looks like Pitt is going to use him as a bench bat. Even if Supak never makes it to the big leagues it seems like a small price to pay for someone like Rogers. A trade like that isn’t going to kill the brewers. Well worth the risk I think
Ray Ray
I have never understood why the Brewers don’t try Braun at first base. With a couple of minor exceptions, they have basically had a hole there since Prince Fielder left for richer pastures. Pop Braun into first base and then you’d have spots for Santana and Davis in the outfield. Perhaps they could fill their hole in center by signing a veteran like Austin Jackson or maybe even popping for a guy like Dexter Fowler if they feel froggy. That seems like a better plan than their usual “let’s try and scrape by with whatever we can get to man first at the last minute” strategy. Of course they will probably just sign Justin Morneau and have to do the whole thing again next year.
oh Hal
They’re rebuilding so they’re not going to sign an FA for CF. They have 3 CFs who will play in AAA including a top 40 or so prospect and they have a half dozen or so OFs besides Braun and Davis.
Ray Ray
That’s just wrong. Rebuilding teams still have to sign free agents too. Granted getting Fowler is a lot less likely, but signing Jackson on a one year make good deal and then trading him in July if he plays well is exactly what a rebuilding club would do.
Niekro
He was atrocious at 3B and went straight to the OF maybe they simply saw his athletic ability as a better fit in the OF or he could lack the twitchy ability required to play in the IF. I agree though a team not looking to compete should be looking to try any thing.
rodebaugh24
Well the did sign Carter to fill first base
mikeyst13
They tried both he and Davis out there in spring training a couple years ago. Did not last long and they have not made any indication of ever trying again. That should give you an idea of how it went.
Ray Ray
I don’t remember that, but then again I am not a big follower of the Brewers obviously. Thanx for the info.
Aaron Sapoznik
It seems to me Ryan Braun would be a possible alternative for the White Sox if they fail to sign FA Yoenis Cespedes or Justin Upton. He is a far more accomplished hitter, even without the PED’s than each of them and could be used at either corner position before gradually spending more time at DH as he ages. His contract is similar to what Cespedes and Upton might command and also contains an additional mutual option of $15M with a $4M buyout for 2021. The deal would coincide with the long term commitments already given to Chris Sale, Jose Abreu, Jose Quintana and Adam Eaton. Of course, the return back in assets to Milwaukee might be the biggest hurdle to such a trade. The rebuilding Brewers would likely want some high level prospects or young MLB ready talent in return but would probably also need to eat some salary for a better package. I could definitely see Avisail Garcia being included in any potential deal as an immediate replacement for Braun.
Milwaukee also has two other pieces that may interest the White Sox. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who’s contract is far more “team-friendly” than Braun’s with a $4MM salary in 2016 and $5.25MM club option for the 2017 season would be a definite upgrade for the White Sox over the two recently signed veteran FA’s, Dinoer Navarro and Alex Avila. Lucroy’s deal would line up with the ones the White Sox recently acquired in the swaps for Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie. A player the Brewers would love to lose is rhp Matt Garza and his two remaining years at $12.5M along with a 2018 $13M vesting option and a $5M buyout if those terms were not met. Unlike Lucroy who would require a significant return in assets, Garza might be had just for his contract or a possible deal of bad contracts that might include a pitcher like John Danks. The White Sox could clearly use a right-handed starter to balance out their rotation and a healthy Garza (big if!) could be a welcome veteran addition to the White Sox staff.
Philliesfan4life
Who would the white sox have to give up for Lucroy? He would fit well with that team, his leadership and his pitch framing ability.
baumer16
From the rumors i’ve heard, a lot. Also multiple teams have been linked to him, Rangers, Twins to name a few.. From the sounds of it Stearns really seems hesitant to trade him. So he would have to be blown away.
Aaron Sapoznik
The Brewers would likely demand one of the White Sox top remaining prospects, either #1 rated SS Tim Anderson or #2 right-handed starting pitcher Carson Fulmer. The White Sox would balk at either and try to include a package that would consist of more prospects beneath those two. Anderson and Fulmer both figure prominently in the White Sox plans, as early as this season or by 2017. A catcher like Navarro might be also be flipped in return, if he could be traded this soon after being signed as a FA by the White Sox earlier this offseason?
Philliesfan4life
if the brewers ask for that then I think Rick Hahn would hang up
baumer16
Really he would hang up? Have you seen the hauls relief pitchers are getting?
Philliesfan4life
I mean Tim Anderson is going to be a star for them and might be ready for 2016 in june or july, fulmer was just drafted last year, If they ask for Anderson I think it would be a no deal
Crewfan620
They mike not want to give up Anderson, but with catcher being a premium position and the fact that multiple teams as looking for upgrades, its almost a certainty that someone will give up those higher level prospects the Brewers are looking for.
Remember that prospects are exactly that. Prospects. Lucroy has proven that he can hit and play at the MLB level already, so there is always some risk for the team acquiring the prospects.
Believe me, I’m one of those guys who likes to “over value” prospects but if the White Sox are contending now, you can’t hang your hat on the fact the Anderson and Fulmer are the stars you will need in the future either.
Philliesfan4life
All I do know is that the white sox need a short stop , an upgrade in left field, catcher, and a right handed starter
baumer16
Well you think Anderson is going to be a star. Jonathan Lucroy is a proven star, and signed to a ridiculous contract for the next two years. Almost laughable compared to what some other people are getting. As another poster said prospects are prospects. A few years ago Dominic Brown was the top prospect in baseball, an untouchable. Now he can’t find a job. At least last I heard.
If you wouldn’t be willing to give up one of your top two prospects for him, someone would. If he is made available, like Keith Law said he will potentially become the biggest name on the trade market.
Philliesfan4life
If I was Hahn I wouldn’t do it but they are in a win now mode and trying to contend, so all bets are off if they could make a deal to get Lucroy
mikeyst13
Sorry baumer, but there are concerns about Lucroy. With the concussion and the recent injuries there is some concern that he may not be able to stay behind the plate and then what? Move him to 1st where his value is not as high? Teams will still take that chance, but not for a guy like Anderson. He’s their future at a premuim position. I’m thinking more along the lines of Michalczewski, a 50 arm (Adams or Danish) and another piece or two. The only way they are going to get much more vaule than that is to wait til either the break or next off-season and hope he proves to be back to his old form.
baumer16
And thats the big question. Will Anderson be a star right out of the gate or will it take a few years? And do the White Sox want to wait those few years while they have Sale on that ridiculous contract or just go all in.
Crewfan620
You also look at the market too. Look at the Braves haul for Shelby Miller. Teams that are more desperate are willing to risk more to get their key players. As a Brewer fan, I would love to see the crew get a haul for Lucroy, and that’s the beauty of the market. If nobody pays up now for him and he plays well, someone will blow the doors off and pay at the trade deadline or next winter. The Brewers can afford to wait until they get an offer they like.
baumer16
Oh yes there are definitely concerns about Lucroy. But you also have to realize that a whole bunch of teams will be in on Lucroy if and when he will be made available. So it’s not a take it or leave it deal. I also thought I read that Anderson might not even be a SS in the majors. I thought there were talks he might move to Center because of his bad footwork and he had a ton of errors at SS. Did I read that right? Either way I think someone beats that offer in a second but who knows. I mean relief pitchers are getting similar deals to that.
mikeyst13
If and when he’s made available?? He’s been available. Teams have been said to be calling on him, especially Texas, Anaheim, and Atlanta. If someone was going to offer a haul we’d have heard rumblings. Teams looking to acquire catchers always want to do it as early as possible so they can get in and start working with the staff. And even if Anderson moves to CF, that’s still a premium defensive position. I just don’t see the Sox wanting to part with him, nor him being the biggest target for the Brewers.
Ray Ray
You don’t KNOW that he is going to be a star. How many guys in the past 20 years that were going to be stars actually became stars? My pure guess would be a lot less than 50%. Lucroy is relatively young, relatively cost-controlled and one of the best in the game at a premium position. You aren’t getting a player like that for a jumble of middling prospects.
mikeyst13
I would think Texas would make the best trade partner. Aim for a package involving Cordell (who is expendable with Gallo in front of him at 3B) and one of their top arms (Tate, Ortiz, Matuella, Jackson)
mikeyst13
My point is that there are questions whether Lucroy can stay at that premium position or not. If he is forced to move off of catcher his value drops significantly. And while he is cost-effective now, he only has 2 years of control left. I just don’t see them getting a blockbuster return for him until he proves that he’s back to form.
baumer16
Just cause you’re calling on someone doesn’t mean he’s available. I could call the Angels on Mike Trout every day does that mean they’re thinking of trading him or would trade him? Trades pop up all the time in MLB where people knew nothing about it. They’re not all “Marlins trying to trade Ozuna, Ozuna traded two days later type stuff.” So we really have no idea what teams would offer or even if they have made an offer.
And if the Sox don’t want to part with Anderson thats fine thats their decision. Brewers don’t need a SS anyway with Arcia on the way up. The Brewers don’t have to settle either. They don’t need to trade Lucroy right now.
baumer16
And you could think the other way too that if he proves he’s over those injuries he had from last year and hits like he usually does his value goes significantly up.
mikeyst13
Except that the Angels have not said that Trout was available or that they were listening to calls on him, the Brewers have routinely said that about Lucroy since last trade-deadline. True they said it would take the right deal, but it’s no secret that they are fielding offers.
And I never said the Brewers should sell short on him, just that a trade for Anderson didn’t seem realistic given the fact that he’s at a premium position that the Sox need (either at SS or CF) and is virtually big league ready.
mikeyst13
Yes baumer, if he does prove he’s over those injuries and starts hitting again his value does go up, as I’ve said since my original post. But unless a bidding war somehow breaks out no one is going to pay that high on him right now hoping that happens. That’s why I’said it may be best for them to wait til the deadline or next season.
baumer16
The Brewers said they will listen on anybody, every team could say that. Doesn’t mean he’s available. I mean there’s only a handful of players in this league that are complete untouchables and the Brewers have none of them. If you were the Giants and another team called you and said they want to talk about trading for Posey would you at least listen even if it was just for pure curiosity of what his value was or would you just hang up the phone before he said anything more?
I understand them not wanting to trade him. But the question also becomes how long can you wait for him to be good? I would imagine they want to go all in now while they have Sale on that contract. What if it takes 2-3 years for Anderson to be good? Would it be better to get someone like Lucroy who chances are will be really good right away and just get a SS in free agency who might even be better than Anderson his first couple of years?
mikeyst13
It’s not just that the Brewers have said they’d listen on anyone, they have SPECIFICALLY said that Lucroy is available for the right deal and yet no one has apparently come up with anything even close enough for the rumblings to start.
And no, if I were them I still don’t move Anderson for Lucroy unless its straight up and Milwaukee wouldn’t do that. It’s just not a trade that makes a ton of sense for either squad, (frankly with Avila and Navarro back there I don’t see the huge need anyway).
I’d love to see the Brewers get as much in return for Lucroy as possible, but I still think at this specific point you are way over-valuing him given the questions surrounding him.
baumer16
Well the Marlins have said that Fernandez is available too but the asking price is so ridiculous that he’s actually really not available. It just doesn’t sound like Stearns really wants to trade him right now. So he could possibly be asking teams for the moon just because he really doesn’t want to trade him. Who knows.
You are right though there really isn’t a match between the two teams anyway. Keith Law said that the Brewers could get 3 very good prospects for Lucroy right now from a team. What very good means exactly i’m not sure.
mikeyst13
Yes, but even with the ridiculous price the Marlins are asking we’ve still seen rumors pop up from time to time (specifically with the Dodgers). With Luc there hasn’t really been any.
I still think the Rangers (who have said to be interested) make the most sense. Probably can’t get Gallo from them, but Cordell is blocked in their system and is a 50 prospect at 3B (which we need) and they have quite a few 50-55 SPs and no immediate need for them so they could make a package work. Would be nice if they had a young catcher to throw in though.
Gotta remember that Simmons who is younger, has way more team control left, and didn’t have as many questions around him only got a 60 arm, a 50 arm, and a stop-gap veteran SS. Trade value in pitching seems to be much higher than position guys right now.
baumer16
I agree the Rangers seem to be the best match. I’m not sure what to think of Gallo, he seems to have a huge bust potential to me. And he might not last at 3B from the reports i’ve read. I’ve read and heard great things about Brinson though.
jabmets
Any idea if he could play 3rd base still and possibly first or center. If the Brewers were willing to trade him to the mets he could help possibly in many positions if he is at least adequate. Insurance for
Wright and Duda. As well as a offensive force which the mets desperately need.
mikeyst13
No. He’s cost more runs at 3rd than he’d produce and he’d be well below average in CF. 1B I guess may be possible, but it sounds like they tried that once and it was laughable.
daveinmp
Brewers will not trade Davis to open up a spot for Santana. At least not yet. Davis hasn’t reached his peak as a premier power hitter so his value is still on the rise. Santana has all kinds of questions about his ability to make contact and he’s been awful this winter hitting just .181/.244/.217 with 28 K in 83 ABs for Licey.
No way the Brewers who are extremely short on LH bats trade Gennett to make room for Segura at 2B either. Gennett’s the better hitter. I could see Segura temporarily moved to 3B to make room for Arcia, but eventually he’ll be packaged in a deal at the deadline because his trade value alone isn’t much unless he gets off to hot start in 2016.
mikeyst13
It’s not like Davis is still a young kid, he’s 28. He is what he is, a power guy who strikes out too much, doesn’t walk, plays sub-par defense, doesn’t run the bases well, and has a throwing arm that even Johnny Damon would laugh at. Most of the value he has is in the fact that he is still pre-arb and undder team control til 2020, the longer they wait the less value he’ll have. I think at most you wait til the deadline this year and hope he puts up a good first half before moving him and letting Santana play.
Crewfan620
There is probably some merit to that thinking Mikey. Realistically from the Brewers perspective is that he is probably not part of the long term plan for them in the outfield. They have a number of high ceiling OF prospects in the system making Davis expendable. The crew probably isnt contending until 2018 barring some dramatic turn around in the next 12 months so they would target players that will be ready in that timeframe for Davis, Lucroy, Segura etc.
PhilliesFan012
Someone above said the mets going to get Braun, say it were to happen, what would anyone think it would take?