In what has been one of the more prominent nights in recent Brewers memory, who have brought Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich to Milwaukee.
What a night for David Stearns. Earlier this evening news broke that the Milwaukee Brewers acquired the frustrated Marlins outfielder for four top prospects. The Crew sent Lewis Brinson, Isan Diaz, Monte Harrison, and Jordan Yamamoto.
Yelich is a blooming star and has five years of team control left. They paid a steep price, but it upgrades their lineup tremendously.
The #Brewers have acquired OF Christian Yelich from Miami in exchange for OF Lewis Brinson, OF Monte Harrison, INF Isan Diaz and RHP Jordan Yamamoto. pic.twitter.com/1Cni0JA67B
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) January 25, 2018
The Brewers were not finished with the Yelich trade. They then brought back Lorenzo Cain on a five-year deal. Cain came up as a Brewer and was involved in the Zach Greinke Royals trade.
Cain is 32 and is coming off a season that saw him post a .300/.363/.440 slash line. He also posted an impressive WAR of above 5.
So now the Brewers have too many outfielders, and not enough spots. Domingo Santana, Keon Broxton, and Brett Phillips are all the odd men out now.
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There were reports earlier in the offseason about the Brewers taking offers on all their outfielders. Broxton carries limited value, but Santana is coming off a huge year and could bring a huge piece back.
They would be smart to keep a solid fourth outfielder, however. Ryan Braun needs his off days, and Brett Phillips could thrive in that fourth outfield spot.
The Brew Crew lineup now has Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain to go along with Ryan Braun, Eric Thames, and Travis Shaw.
The offense figures to be taken care of, but the Brewers figure to be one pitcher away yet. WIth Jimmy Nelson out until midseason, the Brewers need one more top of the line arm to be real NL contenders.
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They put out an offer for Yu Darvish earlier this week, but don’t be surprised to see David Stearns flip Santana and Broxton for a top arm.