This offseason, the Milwaukee Brewers lost major parts to their 2019 playoff team. Catcher Yasmani Grandal left in free agency. First baseman Jesus Aguilar, second basemen Mike Moustakas and third baseman Travis Shaw all left Milwaukee as well. These players all made an impact to Milwaukee’s 2018 and 2019 playoff runs. The Brewers front office did a fantastic job replacing those impact players.
Following the departure of Grandal to Chicago, the Brewers picked up catcher Omar Navarez from the Seattle Mariners. They also have Manny Pina who was the starter for most of the season in 2018 and backup in 2019. Pina shows hot stints at the plate and is spectacular defensively behind the dish.
First Baseman Jesus Aguilar and Eric Thames both left Milwaukee creating a hole at first base position. The Brewers responded with picking up Justin Smoak from the Blue Jays and Avisail Garcia an outfielder from the White Sox. By picking up Garcia, Yelich can move to left field and Ryan Braun can move to first base. These two can help fill the shoes of Jesus Aguilar who really was a huge piece in 2018 and 2019 and Eric Thames who was a big bat off the bench.
The Brewers also lost infielders Travis Shaw, and Mike Moustakas. Shaw was impactful in 2017 and 2018, but really underperformed last year resulting in the Brewers. As a result, Milwaukee brought up prospect Keston Hiura from the minors will most likely start at second base this season. The Brew Crew also picked up third baseman Brock Holt from the Red Sox and picked up Eric Sogard who had a stint with the Brewers in 2018. These two expect to fill the role at third base.
Personally, these replacements won’t bring back a talented team like last season. But I definitely think the Brewers can contend for a post season position. How do you think the replacements will preform for the Brewers?
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