Milwaukee Brewers Showing Interest in Ian Kinsler
By David Hill
One way or another, it seems likely that the Milwaukee Brewers and the Detroit Tigers will make a trade before the deadline. Ian Kinsler is the latest Detroit player that the Brewers have been linked to.
The Milwaukee Brewers are in an interesting position as we approach the trade deadline. A surprising entrant into the postseason chase, Milwaukee still has a few holes they need to fill. With the Chicago Cubs breathing down their neck, the Brewers are trying to hang on to the National League Central.
As such, the Brewers have been linked to several players, seemingly all of which have come from Detroit. Not only have they been linked to Justin Verlander and Justin Wilson, but now, the Brewers are listed amongst the suitors for Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler.
The possibility of acquiring Kinsler is based on several factors. First, the Brewers want to see how Eric Sogard returns from his stint on the disabled list. Before his injury, the 31 year old was a revelation, producing a .331/.438/.485 batting line with 12 doubles and 22 walks in 162 plate appearances. Sogard was the catalyst that Milwaukee needed atop the lineup, helping to set the table for their powerful sluggers.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
The Brewers also have to determine what to do with Jonathan Villar. A year after leading the National League with 62 steals, while producing a .285/.369/.457 batting line with 19 homers, he has struggled this season. Villar’s .223/.287/.350 batting line is worth an OPS+ of 64, the worst of his career. Acquiring Kinsler would likely push Villar back into a utility role, something he excelled in last season.
Of course, this trade likely comes down to Sogard. If he continues to perform at his previous level for the Brewers, Kinsler may not be the piece they need. However, if he returns to being the subpar player he was from 2010 through 2015, Kinsler would certainly be an upgrade.
While Kinsler is not the same offensive weapon he once was, he has still put together a relatively solid year. Thus far, he has produced a .244/.324/.397 batting line, hitting nine homers and stealing seven bases. However, his greatest value may well come from his glove, as Kinsler has saved six runs while displaying above average range.
Next: Should the Dodgers sit out the trade deadline?
In the end, whether or not the Milwaukee Brewers pursue Ian Kinsler could come down to how Eric Sogard plays. The Brewers will have a week to find out.