There is a lot of speculation around which Brewers, if any, may be traded this off-season. This is in large part due to the Crew’s big arbitration eligible class. Their 18 players ranks as the second biggest group across major league baseball. In a recent article by MLB Trade Rumors they highlighted two position players that may make sense for the Brewers to consider trading. The players listed were Hunter Renfroe and Willy Adames.
Renfroe and Adames are listed due to their increasing cost in arbitration. The estimated salary for Renfroe in 2023 is $11.2MM and Adames $9.2MM. At those price tags, their salary makes up $20.4MM of the estimated $79.9MM of all the arbitration eligible players. This is equivalent to 25% of the total arbitration salary.
Should the Brewers consider trading either Renfroe or Adames?
Trade Outlook: Hunter Renfroe
2023 will Renfroe’s last year of arbitration. This means after next season he is eligible to become a free agent. In 2024 he will be 32 years old and likely will be looking to secure a multi year contract. If the Brewers were to explore trading him, his trade value may be limited due to the fact he would essentially be a rental player.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the Brewers have several young outfield prospects that are ready to contribute at the major league level. This puts Matt Arnold in an interesting situation. If Renfroe is traded this off-season it will free up opportunities for the young prospects to play. Should Renfroe be retained, then the Crew will have a steady veteran leader on the team that will hit near 30 home runs and be a solid run producer.
Trade Outlook: Willy Adames
As for Adames, he has two years of club control remaining. He is not eligible to become a free agent until 2025. Adames will be 29 years old when his club control expires and he will be in his prime playing years. Given what he has already accomplished in his professional career, a nice contract is in his future.
Should the Brewers consider parting ways with Adames, who would play shortstop? Luis Urias struggled there prior to Adames arriving in 2021. This makes one hesitant to consider him at shortstop again. Currently on the 40-man roster is Jace Peterson, who would be the next viable option. He is not a great long term answer though. That leaves prospect Brice Turang, who projects as an above average shortstop and logged over 2,500 innings at the position.
Both Renfroe and Adames played big roles for the Brewers in 2022. It would be more surprising to see them part ways with Adames then Renfroe. However, nobody knows which direction Matt Arnold is going to take this team in.
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2 Comments
Unfortunately the Brewers missed their Window to make an appearance in the Fall Classic. It’s rebuilding mode now. The cubs are coming up fast with the best farm system in the division and the most money to spend. Cards are always competitive so the crew will need to wait another 5-7 years. Oh well that the way the ball bounces.
These are the things that make me (huge brewers fan) get so upset with the Brewers. We will never win a world series because everytime a player gets hot, instead of the brewers thinking let’s go places, they only see the dollar signs in how much we will get for them, cause we sure as heck won’t pay to keep them. Just wait, Burnes and Woodruff will be sent packing soon too!