Detroit Tigers: Four potential landing spots for J.D. Martinez

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers continue to amaze us all as they remain atop the NL Central standings. Believe it or not, the Brewers can act with some sanity as buyers. We’ll see if they do choose to buy as they continue to rebuild. They’ve certainly earned the right to do so.

If they’re buyers, the Brewers will look to improve their pitching staff and they could look for help in the outfield as well. Center fielder Keon Broxton and right fielder Domingo Santana have contributed nicely to the Brew Crew. The two have combined to hit 25 home runs and have driven in a total of 72 runs. Broxton and Santana have each earned continued playing time.

In the outside chance that the Brewers seek a more consistent and proven bat to help with their pursuit of a division title, they could knock on J.D. Martinez’s door. Martinez would have a similar impact with Milwaukee as he would in Seattle. The Brewers do however suffer in consistency compared to the Mariners. Ryan Braun just returned to the lineup, but the offense is rather streaky beyond him. Braun has batted third in his three games since returning from the DL. Eric Thames has hit second in two of those games and Travis Shaw continues to hit fourth.

Martinez could hit cleanup for the Brewers, protecting Ryan Braun and allowing Shaw to move to the fifth spot to deepen the lineup. Or maybe Braun could hit second, with Shaw hitting third, Martinez fourth, and Thames fifth. There are plenty of options if adding J.D. Martinez. The slugger would make the Brewers’ lineup that much more powerful.

In all likelihood, the Brewers will focus on pitching if active in the trade market. Martinez would be a weapon, but for a team prioritizing the future above all, it may not be wise to invest in a three-to-four month rental.