The Milwaukee Brewers had a postseason berth in their hands only to trade it away.
It may not be entirely fair to blame the Brewers’ failure to get into the postseason on their decision to trade Josh Hader. However, the bullpen fell apart after that deal was made as ownership was more concerned with saving some money instead of getting to the postseason. That would appear to be the case during the offseason as well as Hunter Renfroe, Brad Boxberger, and Brent Suter have all been let go due to their financial costs.
Three players for Milwaukee Brewers to target
Yet this is still a talented roster. The right additions could put the Brewers right back into the midst of the NL Central chase especially as the rest of the division is in a degree of flux as well. Adding those bargains, either in free agency or via the trade market, could keep the Brewers as a playoff contender.
The Milwaukee Brewers need to find the right bargains and low cost options to supplement the roster. Let’s look at three possible targets.
Danny Jansen
Catcher is one of the biggest needs for the Brewers heading into next year.
Omar Narvaez is a free agent and likely going to cost more than the Brewers would want. Victor Caratini had a solid year overall based on his numbers but he was one of the many players on the team to implode down the stretch. It would make sense for the Brewers to scour the market to see if they can land a bargain in free agency or find a team with a catcher available.
The Toronto Blue Jays could help in that quest. They had enviable depth behind the plate with Alejandro Kirk, Danny Jansen, and Gabriel Moreno. Jansen, in particular, could be on the trade block as he has the fewest years of team control left. As the Blue Jays would likely be looking for pitching, the Brewers could line up well in a trade.
He would be a perfect fit in Milwaukee. Jansen had produced a solid .260/.339/.516 batting line with 15 homers and ten doubles in his 248 plate appearances, his performance far outpacing what the Brewers had behind the plate last year. He was also solid defensively, saving five runs while throwing out 27% of would-be base stealers. He would be what the Brewers have been searching for.
The Milwaukee Brewers need to find help behind the plate. Danny Jansen could be the piece that they need.