The Milwaukee Brewers recently placed Christian Yelich on the injured list for a second time this year due to his back. This issue has cost him playing time dating back to his days with the Miami Marlins, but the most recent flare up is thought to be more concerning. After meeting with a specialist he elected to proceed with rest and rehab with the goal of returning this season and possibly needing surgery during the off-season.
Currently Yelich has no time table for return but it is thought that he will miss a substantial amount of time over the final two months of the season. With the trade deadline less than one week away a MLB Insider indicated that the Brewers are now seeking one specific batter type.
Milwaukee Brewers to target one specific batter type following the latest Christian Yelich injury news.
Per Ken Rosenthal the Brewers are targeting left-handed hitting as well as starting pitching prior to the trade deadline. Rosenthal pointed out that while Yelich’s production cannot be replaced they’re down to Brice Turang, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, Jake Bauers, and switch hitting Blake Perkins as left-handed options. He also reminded readers that Milwaukee has Tyler Black down in Triple-A.
Related: Milwaukee Brewers linked to intriguing left-handed starting pitcher from the Los Angeles Angels.
Who are the top tier left-handed hitting options available at this year’s trade deadline?
In the top tier of left-handed hitters available at this year’s trade deadline there is Miami Marlins former infielder and now outfielder Jazz Chisholm. He is arguably the most exciting option but between health concerns and him having two more years of arbitration remaining the cost to acquire him may be more than Milwaukee is willing to pay.
Another option includes switch hitting utility (second base, third base, corner outfield) player Luis Rengifo. The Los Angeles Angels are in clear sell mode but Rengifo currently has a batting average over .300 and is controllable through the 2025 season. Similar to Chisholm it will take a loaded prospect package in order to acquire him.
Lastly both LaMonte Wade Jr (1B – San Francisco Giants) and Brandon Lowe (2B/OF – Tampa Bay Rays) are left-handed hitters with upside. Wade Jr currently has a .298/.423/.399 slash line and a 142 OPS+ and would be a significant upgrade over Rhys Hoskins (99 OPS+ this year) and Jake Bauers. Lowe has a .860 OPS this year, can hit for power, and has a club option for the 2025 season.
Who are the bottom tier left-handed hitting options available at this year’s trade deadline?
Lastly there are other players like OF/DH Jesse Winker and 1B/DH Josh Bell (switch hitter) available as options. Winker struggled with the Brewers a season ago but has rebounded this year. Bell is struggling mightily but previous reports indicated that Miami is desperate enough to trade him while eating a substantial amount of his remaining salary.
Related: Josh Bell available for fringe prospects.
Follow me on X @tylerkoerth. Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great up to date sports content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!. We cover the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers, and Wisconsin High School Sports. Additionally we provide the latest news coverage on the NFL, MLB, and NBA in which you can follow Gridiron Heroics, Hardwood Heroics, and Homeplate Heroics.
