The Milwaukee Brewers look like they are preparing to blow this thing up as the second half of the baseball season gets going. At 38-52 on the year and out of the playoff race, it’s being reported that Milwaukee is willing to move All-Star outfielder Carlos Gomez as well as young infielder Jean Segura.
Per CBS Sports MLB insider Jon Heyman:
“The Brewers are willing to trade not only star center fielder Carlos Gomez but even young shortstop Jean Segura, according to one person familiar with their thinking, who suggested it’s somewhat likely they move both players. Gomez’s possible move is born of pragmatism, as the person mentioned how there’s no way the Brewers would be able to afford to keep Gomez long-term considering Jacoby Ellsbury’s $153-million deal (Gomez is a free agent after 2016).”
This makes some sense considering Gomez likely asking price on the open market in the Winter of 2016. The 29-year-old outfielder has struggled to an extent this season. He enters the second half with a .273 average, eight homers and 41 RBI’s. He’s also stolen just seven bases after accumulating 111 over the past three seasons.
Despite these struggles, there should be a rather big market for Gold Glove winner and two-time All-Star. He’s locked in at a reasonable $9 million for next season.
Jean Segura’s name being placed on the trade block is a bit more surprising. The 25-year-old shortstop isn’t scheduled to become a free agent until following the 2019 season. His first year of arbitration isn’t until after next season. Considering Segura’s skills and ability to play an important position are rare, it makes little sense Milwaukee would trade him.
Though, Heyman went on to indicate the rise of prospect Orlando Arcia throughout the Brewers farm system plays a major role here.
Segura earned an All-Star appearance in his first full season in the Majors back in 2013. And while he hasn’t taken off at the plate, he’s seen as one of the best young middle infielders in all of baseball. If the Brewers were to move him, they would likely demand a lot in return.
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