Milwaukee Brewers land Christian Yelich in trade with Miami Marlins
By David Hill
The Miami Marlins have finally completed the dismantling of their outfield, trading Christian Yelich to the Milwaukee Brewers.
After their surprising run in 2017, the Milwaukee Brewers are making moves to attempt to remain in playoff contention. On Thursday, the Brewers acquired prized trade target Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins. In exchange, Miami received prospects in outfielders Lewis Brinson and Monte Harrison, infield Isan Diaz, and pitcher Jordan Yamamoto.
For the Marlins, this continues their desire to pare down their payroll by any means necessary. Their All Star outfield is completely dismantled, as Yelich now joins Marcell Ozuna and Giancarlo Stanton as former Marlins. Yet, even with this move, the Marlins payroll remains above $97 million, over their targeted goal of $90 million for 2018.
It is easy to see why both teams would make this deal. The Brewers have acquired another excellent option in Yelich, who produced a .282/.369/.439 batting line with 18 homers and 16 steals. This trade also gives the Brewers quite a log jam in the outfield, with it likely that Keon Broxton, Domingo Santana, and/or Brett Phillips will be on the block.
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On the Marlins side, they finally receive a decent return in a trade. Brinson was a consensus top 30 prospect in each of the past two seasons, the centerpiece that Milwaukee received for Jonathan Lucroy. Last season, he exploded in AAA, producing a .331/.400/.562 batting line with 13 homers and 11 steals in 340 plate appearances. Although he struggled in his first glimpse of major league action, Brinson certainly showed why he is such a highly regarded player.
He was not the only top 100 prospect included. Diaz had been a consensus top 100 prospect as well, but struggled last year. He posted a .222/.334/.376 batting line, hitting 13 homers and stealing nine bases. He showed flashes of his overall potential last year, and may start the year in AA in the Marlins system.
Although not as highly touted, both Harrison and Yamamoto have a chance to be pieces of the future as well. Playing at two levels last year, Harrison produced a combined .272/.350/.481 batting line, slugging 21 homers and stealing 27 bases. Yamamoto had a 9-4 record with a 2.51 ERA and a 1.090 WHiP, striking out 113 batters against 30 walks in 111 innings last year.
Milwaukee certainly paid a steep price to land Yelich. However, he is signed for four more years at just $43.25 million, with another $15 million option for 2022. While this trade helps the Brewers quest to return to the postseason in 2018, they have landed a piece for the future.
Next: Brewers offer contract to Darvish
The Milwaukee Brewers continued to load up for the 2018 campaign, landing Christian Yelich in a trade with the Miami Marlins. They may have paid a steep price, but this will not be the Brewers last move.