Just a day after the non-tender deadline and mere hours after the announcement that the MLB will enter a lockout starting December 2nd, the Brewers struck a deal with the Boston Red Sox. In this trade they sent Jackie Bradley Jr back to his former team along with prospects David Hamilton and Alex Binelas. Hunter Renfroe was the player acquired in return.
JBJ had a very disappointing one year stint with the Brewers and as a result was a trade candidate this off-season. The biggest obstacle was finding a suitable partner to take on the remainder of his contract. In the end, the answer was sending him back to the team that drafted him and where he spent his first eight years playing. He will return to the Red Sox to help sure up their outfield that already consists of Kike Hernandez and Alex Verdugo.
David Hamilton and Alex Binelas were both top 30 prospects in the Brewers organization. Hamilton was drafted in the eighth round in 2019 and 2021 was his first full minor league season. He played primarily second base plus short short and managed to swipe 52 bases last season. Binelas was selected in this years draft. He possesses a lot of raw power and at one point was considered a top 10 pick in the draft, but a slow start to the season pushed him back to the third round. He grew up in Oak Creek, WI and was a big fan of his home town Brewers.
Hunter Renfroe will project as the Brewers new right fielder. He additionally will add a lot of power to the lineup.
Renfroe was non-tendered by the Rays last off-season and ended up signing with the Red Sox for $3MM. He rewarded them with 31 home runs and 96 RBIs. Prior to 2020 he was a member of the Padres. He hit 26 home runs in both 2017 and 2018 and 33 in 2019. Power has always been a big part of his game.
Defensively, Renfroe projects best in the corner outfield spots. He has a very strong throwing arm and will be a very suitable replacement for Avisail Garcia. Renfroe has two more years of club control left with a projected arbitration value of $7.5MM for the 2022 season. He will enter next season 30 years old and is a right handed hitter.
This trade could not have come at a better time for Brewers fans. They previously had only made only a few minor signings and trades, which had fans frustrated. However, this deal greatly improves the offense and once again shows they are willing to improve the team in order to better compete next season.
Follow me on Twitter @tylerkoerth. Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!