The Brewers are actively seeking upgrades at first base, a sentiment echoed by general manager Matt Arnold, who acknowledged the team’s need for improvement in both infield corners. Carlos Santana, a former player of interest, is still on their radar, but recent reports also highlight their consideration of Garrett Cooper.
At 33, Cooper has a commendable track record as a major league hitter, posting a solid .274/.350/.444 from 2019 to 2022 with a wRC+ of 117, indicating he was 17% better than the league average hitter. Despite facing challenges such as the pandemic and injuries, his performance at the plate was consistently strong over this four-year span.
However, Cooper experienced a downturn in production last year, hitting .251/.304/.419 for a wRC+ of 96 while playing for the Marlins and the Padres. Despite this setback, the Brewers are intrigued by the possibility of adding him to the roster, given their lack of a firmly established first baseman in the previous season.
While the Brewers acquired Jake Bauers from the Yankees in the offseason, his career batting line of .211/.302/.361 suggests that he may not be a hindrance to Cooper joining the team. Cooper’s right-handed hitting complements Bauers’ left-handed approach, and even Cooper’s weaker side outperforms Bauers in platoon situations.
Cooper, known for his defensive prowess, may not be a speedster on the basepaths but has a solid reputation in the field. His time at first base has resulted in positive metrics, including three Defensive Runs Saved, eight Outs Above Average, and a 2.1 grade from Ultimate Zone Rating. Although he has been deployed in the outfield corners, his defensive performance in those positions is considered subpar.
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The Brewers, reigning champions in the National League Central, faced offensive challenges in the previous season, finishing with a team wRC+ of 92, better than only six other teams. While the Brewers have promising prospects like Jackson Chourio in the pipeline, there is uncertainty about their immediate impact in the Major Leagues. With rivals in the division actively upgrading their rosters for 2024, the Brewers are exploring options to strengthen their offense.
Despite the availability of other notable free-agent bats, the Brewers may opt to utilize the designated hitter slot for Christian Yelich, considering their surplus of young outfielders. The team has a strong foundation with players like William Contreras and Willy Adames, and Brice Turang is expected to compete for the second base position.
In the first base market, alternative options include Rhys Hoskins, viewed as a top name despite missing the entire 2023 season due to injury. However, the Brewers may be hesitant to match the predicted two-year, $36M deal for him. Other available first basemen are on the older side, making Cooper an appealing choice despite his injury history, as he has played more than 107 games in each of the last two seasons after struggling with various health issues earlier in his career.