Saving money and staying competitive
Despite the glitz and glamour of free agency, many teams aren’t attracted. Jose Abreu and Tyler Anderson were both uncontested signings where the team overpaid to lock-up their “guy”. The Brewers move of Hunter Renfroe and, the possibility of Willy Adames being moved as well could open space for a massive signing.
Although, it is fairly unlikely. The Brewers are likely opening payroll space to pay their biggest producers. In this case, spending limited money in free agency could benefit the team in the long run. However, to remain competitive in 2023, Milwaukee will need to acquire more offense without eating into the money created.
Can two minor league veterans add value to the Brewers?
In a recent article, Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors highlighted the top walk-to-strikeout ratios in the minor leagues. McDonald analyzes the BB/K ratios each year to create a list of potential breakouts. Last year, some of the top BB/K ratios in the minor were from Steven Kwan and Isaac Paredes. Both players saw breakout years in the majors in 2022.
Two players listed in the 2023 edition of McDonald’s list are particularly intriguing given their age. John Nogowski and Michael Stefanic have 218 plate appearances combined. Together, they are also nearly 60-years old and surely not the typical fringe player. However, the two also combined for a BB/K rate of 3.26 in 2022 across Double A and Triple A.
Nogowski has seen brief time in the majors with the Pirates and the Cardinals. He batted .233 and drew 12 walks in 133 at bats. In Double A and Triple A, Nogowski hit .248 with 55 RBIs and 71 walks to 66 strikeouts. Nogowski, who is now a free agent, will turn 30 in a month and his .366 OBP could bring a spark off the bench at a reduced price.
Michael Stefanic, on the other hand, is a 27-year old prospect for the Angels. He has never cracked the top 30 prospects in the Angels’ system, which is one that has a history of utilizing older prospects. Stefanic batted .310 with an OBP of .417 in limited action, while also recording 49 walks to 23 strikeouts. Stefanic is still under team control, and would have to be acquired via trade.
The Brewers are unlikely to trade with the Angels again for Stefanic, so unfortunately he won’t be in Milwaukee anytime soon. John Nogowski, on the other hand, may be worth the small investment for his ability to get on base.
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