Milwaukee Brewers
After the year they had in 2017, it’s tough to imagine the Milwaukee Brewers let themselves slide back down the standings. One way to help avoid this is by making a trade for Kipnis.
The Brewers’ second base situation is unknown next year. They can try to see if Jonathan Villar can get back to the way he was in 2016. They can also attempt to re-sign rental Neil Walker. Other options include targeting the rest of the free agent second basemen looking for new homes. While this can help keep the farm intact, it’s no bargain to the payroll.
The wonderful thing about the Brewers is that if Kipnis is someone they want, he is someone they can get. Their minor league system is one of the best in baseball. Not making a trade this offseason to upgrade somewhere would be a mistake. It’s all just a matter of whether or not Kipnis is the right guy to spend on.
MLB’s second base trade market is vast this offseason with guys like Kipnis, Brian Dozier, Ian Kinsler, and Cesar Hernandez as trade block candidates. Kipnis fits well with the Brewers thanks to his contract length, the money owed, and postseason experience. With the Indians set to lose multiple players to free agency this winter, they will look to add MLB-ready talent. Trading Kipnis is one way to accomplish this.