After a great deal of inactivity, the NL Central is starting to make moves. The Cardinals brought back Adam Wainwright and traded for Nolan Arenado. Cincinnati brought in Sean Doolittle. Even the Cubs did something, signing Joc Pederson. If the Milwaukee Brewers were going to keep pace, they needed to start making moves.
They began to upgrade their roster in earnest on Wednesday. The Brewers have signed Kolten Wong to a two year deal worth $18 million with an option for a third year.
Free-agent second baseman Kolten Wong in agreement with Brewers on two-year, $18M contract with a third-year club option, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 3, 2021
Wong immediately solidifies the Brewers’ infield defense. The two time defending Gold Glove winner has saved 35 runs at second, with 26 runs saved over the past three years. That is in sharp contrast to the incumbent second baseman Keston Hiura, who has cost the Brewers 11 runs in his 130 career games at second.
He is a completely different player with the bat as well. Better known for his ability to make contact and get on base, Wong has posted a lifetime .261/.333/.384 batting line in his 3044 plate appearances, hitting 124 doubles and 53 homers while stealing 88 bases. In theory, he would fit in well in the second spot in the lineup.
This also leads to the question of what to do with Hiura. Chances are, he will be shifted to first base, where his powerful bat can overcome his questionable defense. It is possible that he could see some time in the outfield as well, given that he has experience in left and center from his days in college.
Although this signing displaces the Brewers’ one time top prospect, it is a move that needed to be made. Wong is a dramatic defensive upgrade at second base, one that could make a difference for the Brewers in what should be a close NL Central.
The Milwaukee Brewers have upgraded their infield by adding Kolten Wong. His defense and ability to get on base are both needed in the lineup.