Milwaukee Brewers: Erik Kratz signs one-year deal
The Milwaukee Brewers have avoided arbitration with one of their players.
Erik Kratz has agreed to a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. The deal reportedly guarantees Kratz $300 thousand for this season and will pay him $1.2 million if he’s in the Majors.
Avoiding arbitration and signing Kratz this soon helps Milwaukee as we move toward the Winter Meetings during December. Although Kratz hit just .236 across 219 plate appearances in 67 games, Kratz is regarded as an average or better defensive catcher.
Kratz has played for seven different organizations during his time in MLB. Although he doesn’t provide a lot of value offensively, Kratz seems to bring a lot to the clubhouse for the Milwaukee Brewers.
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With Kratz under contract, Milwaukee doesn’t have to worry about finding a backup backstop during this Winter. However, this deal should not preclude them from adding another catcher before Spring Training.
There are a few intriguing names available on both the free agent and trade markets right now. Milwaukee could bring back Martin Maldonado for a second stint if the price is right. However, Maldy will likely command more than Milwaukee can offer, in both playing time and money, so signing him is not likely.
Milwaukee could also make a play for Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto. However, Miami is asking for a king’s ransom for Realmuto. Following the trade for Christian Yelich last Winter, and the numerous trades made during this season, Milwaukee’s farm system is thin on top-end talent. Acquiring Realmuto seems like a longshot for the Crew.
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Manny Piña is likely to return as the primary backstop for the 2019 season. Milwaukee also has Jacob Nottingham in the Minors and he should have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during the Spring. However, Kratz showed the Brewers brass enough during this season to earn an opportunity at the Brewers 2019 Opening Day roster.