Brewers Exploring Trades for Outfield Depth
The Milwaukee Brewers are actively considering trades involving their surplus of outfielders, according to reports by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon from The Athletic. Among the candidates for potential trades are Isaac Collins and Blake Perkins.
Key Players Remain Untouchable
However, Jackson Chourio is not up for trade. Similarly, Christian Yelich is unlikely to be moved due to his hefty contract worth $84.5 million across the next three seasons, which includes a buyout option for 2029. While there is interest in Sal Frelick, the Brewers are expected to hold onto him, as he is under club control for another four years.
Outfield Competition
With Frelick and Chourio likely securing two outfield positions, Yelich is expected to primarily serve as a designated hitter, leaving just one spot available for multiple contenders. In addition to Collins and Perkins, former first-round pick Garrett Mitchell will also compete for playing time. Speedster Brandon Lockridge and Akil Baddoo, who was signed to a split contract, will also add to the outfield mix.
Breakout Season for Collins
Collins is coming off a breakout year, finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. The switch-hitter posted a line of .263/.368/.411 with 22 doubles, three triples, and nine home runs while stealing 16 bases. His performance is estimated to have contributed between two and three wins above replacement. With five years of club control remaining and no arbitration eligibility for two more seasons, Collins’s ability to replicate his past success is under scrutiny.
Perkins as a Viable Option
Perkins, at 29, serves as a prototypical fourth outfielder with a career batting average of .232 across 773 plate appearances. He is known for his speed and defensive skills. Though he is not perceived as a regular starter, many teams are in need of center fielders, making Perkins a trade candidate, especially for franchises like the Guardians, Angels, and Giants seeking improvements in their defense.
Mitchell’s Uncertain Future
The Brewers’ evaluation of Mitchell, who is entering his age-27 season, could significantly influence their decisions. Despite possessing impressive athleticism and potential, Mitchell has struggled to remain healthy and has frequently been sidelined due to injuries. If he is considered the long-term solution in center field, it may lead to theoretical adjustments, with Frelick and Chourio moving into corner positions and potentially making Collins the odd man out.
Conclusion
As the Brewers navigate through their options in the outfield, the potential trade of Collins or Perkins remains a plausible scenario. With depth in their outfield, they aim to enhance their roster by possibly acquiring relief pitching options, providing them with the necessary flexibility as they heavily depend on their bullpen.
