It is the end of an era in Milwaukee. The longest tenured, and highly popular, backstop Manny Pina has signed a two-year deal with the World Champion Atlanta Braves.
Manny Pina will be joining former Brewers Orlando Arcia and Will Smith in Atlanta.
Manny Pina’s Career in Milwaukee
Manny Pina came to the Milwaukee Brewers via trade in 2015. He ended up as “the player to be named later” in the trade that sent closer Francisco Rodriguez to the Detroit Tigers.
Pina only appeared in 33 games with the Brewers in 2016, but became the team’s primary catcher in 2017. That season, Pina slashed .279/.327/.424 with nine home runs and 43 RBI.
In 2018, Pina missed time due to various injuries. Still, he hit .252/.307/.395 with nine home runs and 28 RBI.The next season, 2019, he took a backseat to Yasmani Grandal. His batting continued to decline, and he hit .228/.313/.411 with seven home runs and 25 RBI.
In 2020, Pina saw his season cut short again, which is saying something considering COVID cut the season to 60 games. Another injury limited him to just 15 games. This past year, Pina hit a career worst .189/.293/.439. However, he did hit a career best 13 home runs while driving in 33.
What’s Next for the Brewers?
Without a doubt, Pina’s clubhouse presence, defense, and ability to handle the pitching staff will be missed. Luke Maile is on the Brewers roster and is out of options. In 15 games with the Brewers last season, Maile hit .300/.382/.433 with no home runs and three RBI.
Also waiting in the wings is Mario Feliciano, who was the 2019 Carolina League MVP. That season, he hit .270/.323/.473 with 19 home runs and 81 RBI. Like most prospects, Feliciano missed 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last season, injuries limited him to just 39 games. He did make his Major League debut early in the year, however. He walked in his only plate appearance and scored a run.
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