Milwaukee Brewers acquire Jonathan Villar from Houston Astros

The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired infielder Jonathan Villar from the Houston Astros in exchange for minor league pitcher Cy Sneed.

The 24-year-old Villar has seen limited action over the past three seasons in Houston, slashing .236/.300/.353 with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs in 198 total games. His production saw a noticeable uptick in 2015, however. In 128 plate appearances, Villar posted a .284/.339/.414 line while belting two homers and driving in 11 runs.

His .752 OPS signaled a .132 point increase from a year ago.

Villar will likely get the opportunity for more playing time in Milwaukee, where he will provide some infield bench depth. Though shortstop is his primary position, Villar has also made appearances at second base, third base and in the outfield.

With Jean Segura currently installed as the Brewers’ starting shortstop, Villar will presumably back him up while being slotted elsewhere on the diamond as needed. The hot corner could be a place for him to carve out a niche; after Milwaukee traded Aramis Ramirez, Elian Herrera and Hernan Perez shared third base duties.

Segura, however, has occasionally been tabbed as a potential trade chip. If the Brewers deal him, Villar’s role could suddenly become much more pronounced.

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On the other side of the transaction, the Astros receive right-hander Cy Sneed. Armed with a rather auspicious first name for a pitcher, the 23-year-old played for Milwaukee’s Class-A and Advanced-A minor league clubs this year.

He got the start in 24 of his 26 appearances, putting up a 2.58 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 4.36 K/BB ratio in 139.1 innings.