The Brewers announced they’ve signed corner infielder Renato Núñez to a minor league contract. He has been assigned to Triple-A Nashville.
Núñez just reached free agency when he was released by the Tigers last Friday. The 27-year-old had a pair of separate big league stints with Detroit this season, tallying 55 plate appearances and hitting .189/.218/.472 with four home runs. Núñez hit for power but struck out sixteen times while drawing just one walk in that fairly brief look. His past production hasn’t been quite so extreme, but that’s generally in line with his low-OBP, high-power offensive profile.
Between 2019-20, Núñez was a regular in the Orioles’ lineup, seeing time at designated hitter and both corner infield spots. He combined for a .247/.314/.469 line over those two seasons, popping a team-leading 43 homers along the way. But his low walk rates and lack of defensive acumen depressed his overall value, and the O’s let Núñez go over the winter rather than tender him an arbitration contract.
There’s no harm for Milwaukee in adding Núñez to the high minors for depth purposes. The Brewers have the lefty-hitting Rowdy Tellez and Daniel Vogelbach as their primary first base options, so Núñez’s right-handed bat could help balance that mix. As mentioned, he’s also capable of moonlighting at third, where Milwaukee is currently without starter Eduardo Escobar (although Luis Urías is a more than capable fill-in there).
Núñez joined the organization before September 1, so he’ll be eligible for the Brewers’ postseason roster if he earns a big league opportunity. If he’s not selected to the major league club before the end of the season, he’ll qualify for minor league free agency this winter.
Brewers must not like what they’ve seen from Eduardo Escobar at 1st. I know he’s hurt, but should be back within the week. A little depth never hurt anyone, but if Nunez does make a potential postseason roster, either he’s absolutely raking at AAA or we see more injuries.
Protection for Escobar not coming back as quickly as they hope.
Does Nunez need to be on the 40 man roster by 9/1 to be eligible for the post-season?
@eddie no, just a member of the organization.
The Brewers aren’t concerned with Escobar’s injury. Pablo Reyes is AAA player and needs to stay there…
I watched Pablo during his time as a Pirate. Great hustle, but he can best be described as: Jack of many trades, master of none. He plays a lot of positions but none especially well, and other than one September as a Bucco hasn’t hit very well either.
He’s been OK on D at 3rd this year, but not anywhere else and hasn’t hit at all.
Was a nice depth piece to have.
Might help! just shows you how bad the Brewers are with AAA position players!
I’ll sacrifice AAA infield depth for an 8 1/2 game lead in the division. Pablo Reyes has a negative slugging percentage. Not ideal for 3B. I’ll take Nunez’ k’s. At least he can drive the ball
I definitely remember him from the Orioles.
He’s got power. It seems like his plan at the the plate is to go up & get three big swings in. I don’t remember him being especially bad on defense. But I do watch the Yankees every night. So.
He’s essentially a free depth piece.
I’m pretty sure the Brewers had 18 guys on one of the various IL’s at one point earlier this season. That’ll shell shock a GM.
Well said!
He’s pretty bad defensively. Main reason tigers didn’t give him more of a look.
and they are overpaying Miggy because nobody wants him,
Vogelbach on 60 day IL
Just a formality back dated so that he can get to the expansion deadline. He should get one of the 2 spots and the other would go to a pitcher. Not sure who.
I like the move. Low risk depth add that could pay dividends off the bench come playoff time.