The Brewers announced today that catcher Luke Maile and right-handed pitcher Eric Yardley have elected free agency after being outrighted. Neither player was a major contributor in Milwaukee in 2021, though Maile posted a strong .816 OPS (albeit in only 34 plate appearances). Yardley put together an excellent showing in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, including a sparkling 1.54 ERA in 23 1/3 innings of relief, but was eminently hittable in 2021, pitching to a 6.75 ERA in 18 2/3 big-league innings.
While Maile’s strong line in limited action is sure to draw a bit of attention, his career numbers in the Majors are considerably more pedestrian — .203/.258/.310 in 691 PAs. It’s his glove (and arm) that lead his tool-set. In parts of six seasons with the Rays, Blue Jays, and Brewers, Maile has thrown out 34% of would-be base-stealers and logged 21 defensive runs saved in 220 games behind the dish. At minimum, he’s sure to receive a minor-league deal with a chance to compete for a backup role, but he could be a candidate for guaranteed money.
Yardley’s future is less clear, though his stellar 2020 probably guarantees him at least a shot to catch on somewhere. Undrafted out of Seattle University, the soft-tossing submariner played in the independent Pecos League before signing a minor league deal with the Padres in 2013. He consistently posted strong numbers in the minors before making his debut in San Diego in 2019, though the Padres designated him for assignment that offseason despite a strong 2.31 ERA across 11 2/3 innings with the big club. He’ll hope to be given another shot to show he can limit hard contact and provide Major League value despite a fastball that sits in the high 80s.
Luke and Eric. Can you walk through the Yardley and pick up the Maile?
2020 Yardley made fans think he was going to be elite for years to come. 2021…we were wrong lol
Both had to come off the 40 man roster so nothing is surprising about this at all. Maile had a few good offensive games and is a really good defensive catcher but long term not a huge piece, while Yardley just wasn’t that good for the Brewers.
Bring Nottingham back!!
Why?
The question is who plays behind Omar Narvaez next year? Pina is a FA, Maile is gone which leaves Mario Feliciano (a rookie with health issues last year), Jeferson Quero (a 20 year old rookie that’s rated their #6 prospect), re-sign Pina, or add from a different team.
They’ll sign Martin Maldanado’s nephew, Ovaltin to be the backup.
Seriously though, I wonder what the relationship is like with Pina. Been there a long time..but maybe he thinks he can get more PT elsewhere.