The Milwaukee Brewers have maintained a low profile in the free agent market during this off-season. They secured contracts for Wade Miley and Colin Rea, and also brought in Eric Haase and Joe Ross. In addition to these signings, they have been actively involved in several trades, acquiring notable players such as first baseman/designated hitter Jake Bauers, infielder Oliver Dunn, and right-handed pitcher Taylor Clarke.
Whether the transactions are significant or minor, the Brewers consistently emerge as one of the more dynamic teams in the trade market. Recently, the Los Angeles Angels caught attention with discussions about player availability. MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal specifically highlighted four players from the Angels: infielder Luis Rengifo, outfielders Taylor Ward and Mickey Moniak, and left-handed pitcher Jose Suarez. Among these, two players could be viable trade targets for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Milwaukee Brewers: Two trade targets to consider from the Los Angeles Angels
The Brewers’ General Manager, Matt Arnold, has a preference for players with versatility and team control, and Luis Rengifo fits the bill perfectly. Rengifo, an infielder, showcased his flexibility by playing 65 games at second base, 37 at shortstop, 23 at third base, and 21 in various outfield positions last year. Additionally, he brings the advantage of being a switch hitter.
Rengifo’s adaptability, combined with his switch-hitting skills, positions him well to secure a regular spot in the Brewers’ lineup. Notably, he has demonstrated offensive prowess over the past two seasons, hitting 17 home runs and maintaining wRC+ values of 103 and 114. With two more seasons under team control, his projected arbitration salary for 2024 is $4.2 million, making him an attractive option for the team.
Despite a shoulder injury affecting Jose Suarez’s 2023 season significantly, the left-handed pitcher logged 207.1 innings with a 3.86 ERA between the 2021 and 2022 seasons. With three more seasons under team control and a projected $1.1 million arbitration salary for his first year, Suarez becomes a valuable addition to bolster the Brewers’ starting pitching depth.
The Brewers recently parted ways with pitchers Brandon Woodruff and Adrian Houser, creating a need for experienced arms. While the team has promising prospects like Robert Gasser, Jacob Misiorowski, and Carlos Rodriguez in the pipeline, adding a seasoned pitcher like Suarez would further enhance the team’s pitching options.