The wake of Christian Yelich‘s injury is significant for the Milwaukee Brewers. Starting pitching might be the Brewers top priority on the trade market, but so is acquiring a left-handed bat, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports. Yelich is attempting non-surgical rehab to get back to playing sooner, but he will likely need surgery this offseason. Milwaukee is hitting .256/.352/.403 against right-handed pitching as a team. However, Yelich’s return to form this season has played a role in that production.
Brewers Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Seeking Left-Handed Bat
Yelich leads the National League in batting average and on-base percentage. Ge carries a .315/.406/.504 batting line with 11 home runs and 21 steals this season. The Brewers simply can’t replace him, but from the left side of the plate, there are limited options for impact bats. Milwaukee is down to Brice Turang, Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell and Jake Bauers, along with switch-hitter Blake Perkins. Another option is left-handed hitting Tyler Black, who is at Triple-A Nashville. Yelich was the club’s primary left-handed power threat and now it’s unclear if he will return and how effective his performance will be.
The Market for Left-Handed Bats
The trade for impact left-handed hitters is sparse. Some names are floating around the rumor mill including Miami Marlins center fielder/second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is expected to be on the move before Tuesday’s deadline. The Tampa Bay Rays made a midnight deal with the Seattle Mariners for Randy Arozarena and could continue to sell more veterans. Brandon Lowe, who is a free agent after the season, has two club options remaining. Los Angeles Angels switch-hitter Luis Rengifo could be another option who comes with club control through 2025. Former Brewer Jesse Winker is enjoying a rebound campaign with the Washington Nationals. Winker is seen as rental on a selling club which will likely be another trade option.
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