Article: Young Third Basemen the Brewers Should Target in a Trade

[Tim Muma]

Finding a productive, long-term option at third base is essential for the Milwaukee Brewers to create consistent offensive success. The free agent market and trade block lacks tried-and-true bats at the hot corner, meaning GM Matt Arnold likely needs to take a chance via trade for a young, unproven third baseman.

 

The Milwaukee Brewers have had short spurts of quality bats at third base in the past two decades. Travis Shaw in 2017-2018 was a bit of a surprise, while Aramis Ramirez offered solid production for most of his four seasons. Otherwise, the hot corner has been chiefly a revolving door with no young prospects or veteran staples to be "the guy."

Milwaukee's 2022 offense improved from the previous season but lacked the true upper-level talent that clubs ride into the postseason. It was especially necessary for the Brewers last season as their stellar pitching suffered injuries and regression. Third base wasn't a barren wasteland, but relying on Luis Urias and Jace Peterson (with a dash of Mike Brosseau) didn't inspire greatness.

The problem with upgrading the position in 2023 and beyond is a lack of options, at least for proven commodities. The free agent class is underwhelming at best, and a few players who might have been available are now off-limits. Nolan Arenado opted into his deal and is staying put in St. Louis. Jose Ramirez signed a long-term extension with Cleveland in April. Rafael Devers has one year left on his contract in Boston, so it's unlikely the Brewers will pay a high price for a rental. That leads to a different focus on the trade market.

A handful of prospects and recently-promoted third basemen could be had for the right return. A couple players could require an elite arm, while others might need some creativity to swing a deal. Either way, Milwaukee should check in on these five third basemen.

Josh Jung - Texas Rangers - 24 years old
Jung was the Rangers' top prospect and saw 102 MLB plate appearances last season. His .654 OPS and 39:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio disappointed many, but it's just growing pains. Jung had a .326/.398/.592 (.990) slash line in 2021 between Double-A and Triple-A with 19 homers in 78 games. Scouts rate his hit tool at a 60-grade (20-80 scale) level, and his strong arm with average defense should be good enough at third to hold it down for a while.

As you can imagine, pulling Jung from the Rangers would take a tantalizing player or package. Jung could be one of the guys that convinces the Brewers to trade Brandon Woodruff or Corbin Burnes if Texas included additional players.

Curtis Mead - Tampa Bay Rays - 22 years old
The Rays' second-best prospect has less power than Jung but has impressive plate discipline and bat control. Another 60-grade hitter, he posted a .390 OBP and .922 OPS in the minors last year (Double-A and Triple-A). Some see Mead moving to second base due to his weaker arm, though his offense would be a plus there. 

There's more uncertainty with Mead's future value, so Tampa might be willing to move him for a reasonable price. The Rays also currently have veteran third baseman Yandy Diaz in tow. At 31 years old and due to make around $5 million in arbitration, Tampa may be more likely to shop Diaz and keep Mead (which could also work for the Brewers).

Joe Perez - Houston Astros - 23 years old
Perez sits as the Astros' ninth prospect, and his hit tool ranks lower (45) than the others. However, his raw power and bat speed can make up for his struggles to connect as often. There are some concerns over his dip in home runs last season (seven in 83 games), though some believe it is a speed bump. His arm injuries and less-than-ideal range mean third base is a short-term spot.

Perez's arm issue and inconsistent bat could make Houston more apt to deal for a modest return. Milwaukee might only be keen on the risk involved if the cost was minimal.

Mark Vientos - New York Mets - 22 years old
The Mets' number seven prospect started six games as the DH for the big league club in 2022. Vientos is another big-time power bat who blasted 49 home runs the past two seasons, mostly in Triple-A. He does have a proneness to whiff but still hit .280 with an OBP over .350 across 2021 and 2022. While his arm plays well at third, his glove and athleticism are below standard.

New York has Brett Baty (number two prospect) ready to play the hot corner and Pete Alonso at first base. So unless the Mets are good with Vientos being a primary DH and backup corner infielder, he could get them a strong return. How much would the Brewers be willing to give up from their pitching staff or farm system? It starts with that question.

Jordan Westburg - Baltimore Orioles - 23 years old
Westburg profiles as a gap-to-gap hitter with 25-homer potential in the majors. He is an all-around quality player with a .274/.371/.489/.860 slash line across four minor league levels in the past two years. That includes 39 doubles, 27 homers, and 106 RBI in 2022 in Double-A and Triple-A. He was drafted as a shortstop and is a plus defender, though many see third base as his permanent spot, especially since Baltimore has Gunnar Henderson.

The Orioles are poised to make another push next season and may want to use some of their young talent to trade for proven big leaguers to take the next step. Milwaukee and Baltimore could be partners on a deal involving multiple players, and Westburg is an intriguing future star.

If the Brewers go this route of trading for an up-and-coming third baseman, there will be a risk of failing to get the production they seek. Trades mostly come down to asking price and "fit," but to have a handful of clubs as potential partners would give Milwaukee better odds of pulling something off. Considering the offensive concerns and need for a young infield bat, these are some exciting options for the Brewers to explore if they're willing to give up enough player capital. Do you have any favorites from the list?

 

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[jay87shot]

Good article, I have been thinking Diaz but Mead would be interesting. I am sure the Ray's could be in on Woodruff or Burnes but I doubt there would be an extension. 

I know this is trades but Adames could always be an option to if they feel like Turang is a better option at SS than second and want to keep Wong.

 

[jay87shot]

Good article, I have been thinking Diaz but Mead would be interesting. I am sure the Ray's could be in on Woodruff or Burnes but I doubt there would be an extension. 

I know this is trades but Adames could always be an option to if they feel like Turang is a better option at SS than second and want to keep Wong.

 

[wibadgers23]

If we do trade a Burnes or Woodruff, I’d target Miguel Vargas from the Dodgers. Not sure how his defense is at 3B, but I’d be willing to take my chances.

[wibadgers23]

If we do trade a Burnes or Woodruff, I’d target Miguel Vargas from the Dodgers. Not sure how his defense is at 3B, but I’d be willing to take my chances.

[Hacksaw Jim Duggan]

The Brewers have zero starting pitcher prospects but multiple position players in triple AAA.  Arnold needs to replenish the minors with impact pitching.  Stearns showed a blueprint of how to win with impact pitching and defense, less than a week after replacing the GM articles are appearing saying to trade the winning pitchers for position players?  Has anyone watched how the Brewers won the last 4 years?  

[Hacksaw Jim Duggan]

The Brewers have zero starting pitcher prospects but multiple position players in triple AAA.  Arnold needs to replenish the minors with impact pitching.  Stearns showed a blueprint of how to win with impact pitching and defense, less than a week after replacing the GM articles are appearing saying to trade the winning pitchers for position players?  Has anyone watched how the Brewers won the last 4 years?  

[Brewcrew82]

1 hour ago, Hacksaw Jim Duggan said:

The Brewers have zero starting pitcher prospects but multiple position players in triple AAA.  Arnold needs to replenish the minors with impact pitching.  Stearns showed a blueprint of how to win with impact pitching and defense, less than a week after replacing the GM articles are appearing saying to trade the winning pitchers for position players?  Has anyone watched how the Brewers won the last 4 years?  

Robert Gasser? Obviously more would be nice, but that's not "zero". 

[Brewcrew82]

1 hour ago, Hacksaw Jim Duggan said:

The Brewers have zero starting pitcher prospects but multiple position players in triple AAA.  Arnold needs to replenish the minors with impact pitching.  Stearns showed a blueprint of how to win with impact pitching and defense, less than a week after replacing the GM articles are appearing saying to trade the winning pitchers for position players?  Has anyone watched how the Brewers won the last 4 years?  

Robert Gasser? Obviously more would be nice, but that's not "zero". 

[UpandIn]

7 hours ago, Hacksaw Jim Duggan said:

The Brewers have zero starting pitcher prospects but multiple position players in triple AAA.  Arnold needs to replenish the minors with impact pitching.  Stearns showed a blueprint of how to win with impact pitching and defense, less than a week after replacing the GM articles are appearing saying to trade the winning pitchers for position players?  Has anyone watched how the Brewers won the last 4 years?  

Well, for starters, we didn't replace our GM. Second, there have been NUMEROUS threads before and after Stearns about trying to acquire a bit corner IF bat. So these articles aren't just appearing suddenly a week after Stearns stepped down as POBO.  

But nope...I think you're the only one who paid attention to how the Brewers played the last few years. We also missed Freddy Peralta, Ashby, Gasser(just 3 high upside pitchers in AAA or already on the MLB roster with high upside). Finally,  I missed where anyone said this would be a straight up trade? Burnes for a 3B prospect? Or Burnes AND Woodruff for a 3B prospect?

The article is talking about acquiring a 3B and POSSIBLE 3B targets as PART of a trade. It shouldn't need to be explained that we also need to continue to develop pitching. 

They also have Robert Gasser in AAA. Not that it's REALLY all that relevant. HiA, AA, AAA, what difference does it make if the goal is to develop pitchers? Is the issue that we don't have  elite position prospects AND MLB ready pitchers? Who does? A couple teams. 

And plenty of pitchers go from HiA to AAA and we've not only got several pitchers who could do that over the next 9 months, but we'd OBVIOUSLY look to acquire pitching prospects. 

Also, the way Stearns acquired all that pitching was by identifying certain traits and then developing it through their pitching lab in AZ. 

Pitchers with good stuff who went under the radar. Like Misiorowski, Henderson, Wagoner, Woessner, Rudy.

 

Nobody's looking at the Brewers and saying, 'well, that pitching thing didn't work out, lets just ignore that and go and get some 3B.'

[UpandIn]

7 hours ago, Hacksaw Jim Duggan said:

The Brewers have zero starting pitcher prospects but multiple position players in triple AAA.  Arnold needs to replenish the minors with impact pitching.  Stearns showed a blueprint of how to win with impact pitching and defense, less than a week after replacing the GM articles are appearing saying to trade the winning pitchers for position players?  Has anyone watched how the Brewers won the last 4 years?  

Well, for starters, we didn't replace our GM. Second, there have been NUMEROUS threads before and after Stearns about trying to acquire a bit corner IF bat. So these articles aren't just appearing suddenly a week after Stearns stepped down as POBO.  

But nope...I think you're the only one who paid attention to how the Brewers played the last few years. We also missed Freddy Peralta, Ashby, Gasser(just 3 high upside pitchers in AAA or already on the MLB roster with high upside). Finally,  I missed where anyone said this would be a straight up trade? Burnes for a 3B prospect? Or Burnes AND Woodruff for a 3B prospect?

The article is talking about acquiring a 3B and POSSIBLE 3B targets as PART of a trade. It shouldn't need to be explained that we also need to continue to develop pitching. 

They also have Robert Gasser in AAA. Not that it's REALLY all that relevant. HiA, AA, AAA, what difference does it make if the goal is to develop pitchers? Is the issue that we don't have  elite position prospects AND MLB ready pitchers? Who does? A couple teams. 

And plenty of pitchers go from HiA to AAA and we've not only got several pitchers who could do that over the next 9 months, but we'd OBVIOUSLY look to acquire pitching prospects. 

Also, the way Stearns acquired all that pitching was by identifying certain traits and then developing it through their pitching lab in AZ. 

Pitchers with good stuff who went under the radar. Like Misiorowski, Henderson, Wagoner, Woessner, Rudy.

 

Nobody's looking at the Brewers and saying, 'well, that pitching thing didn't work out, lets just ignore that and go and get some 3B.'

[UpandIn]

5 hours ago, Brewcrew82 said:

Robert Gasser? Obviously more would be nice, but that's not "zero". 

They also have Small. Though Gasser doesn't count as we got back "garbage" for Hader and I'm sure if Gasser is garbage, there's no way a AA starter with a MiLB line of 3.13 ERA in 201 IP and 242Ks as he quickly moved through the farm system, but you obviously write him off after struggling for a couple months(Which is baked into those numbers).

 

I just hate when things are so WILDLY mis-represented. 

This particular poster(the OP) has gone position by position and talked about both in-house options and potential trade targets. None of it means we will stop emphasizing pitching. 

[UpandIn]

5 hours ago, Brewcrew82 said:

Robert Gasser? Obviously more would be nice, but that's not "zero". 

They also have Small. Though Gasser doesn't count as we got back "garbage" for Hader and I'm sure if Gasser is garbage, there's no way a AA starter with a MiLB line of 3.13 ERA in 201 IP and 242Ks as he quickly moved through the farm system, but you obviously write him off after struggling for a couple months(Which is baked into those numbers).

 

I just hate when things are so WILDLY mis-represented. 

This particular poster(the OP) has gone position by position and talked about both in-house options and potential trade targets. None of it means we will stop emphasizing pitching. 

[Tim Muma]

9 hours ago, wibadgers23 said:

If we do trade a Burnes or Woodruff, I’d target Miguel Vargas from the Dodgers. Not sure how his defense is at 3B, but I’d be willing to take my chances.

Definitely had Vargas in my sights as well. My thought was the Dodgers are going to keep him with Justin Turner close to the end (could be gone this offseason). Plus, I don't trust doing deals with the Dodgers...they just always seem to have the "right" answer.

[Tim Muma]

9 hours ago, wibadgers23 said:

If we do trade a Burnes or Woodruff, I’d target Miguel Vargas from the Dodgers. Not sure how his defense is at 3B, but I’d be willing to take my chances.

Definitely had Vargas in my sights as well. My thought was the Dodgers are going to keep him with Justin Turner close to the end (could be gone this offseason). Plus, I don't trust doing deals with the Dodgers...they just always seem to have the "right" answer.

[Tim Muma]

8 hours ago, Hacksaw Jim Duggan said:

The Brewers have zero starting pitcher prospects but multiple position players in triple AAA.  Arnold needs to replenish the minors with impact pitching.  Stearns showed a blueprint of how to win with impact pitching and defense, less than a week after replacing the GM articles are appearing saying to trade the winning pitchers for position players?  Has anyone watched how the Brewers won the last 4 years?  

First off, like another commenter said...these are options to target. Some players would require higher costs, and I am always honest, it's an educated guess what each team is willing to deal. I do my best to see a big picture on it. And for the record, I'm not sold on Turang as an everyday player (more like the replacement for Peterson) & Urias still has risk. Tyler Black COULD be ready by 2024, but he has also had some injury setbacks. The infield outlook is far more questionable than the outfield, at least in the near future.

Secondly, as noted, if you trade a Woodruff or especially Burnes, you're getting multiple players back and would/should include a viable starting pitcher. With Woody and Burnes under contract only through 2024, you know the Brewers likely need to trade one as they won't/can't pay to keep both long-term.

Lastly, other acquisitions and trades can also happen to supplement a move for a young third baseman or to replenish positions at the MLB level and the minors. I think it's likely one of their minor league outfielders is part of a deal this offseason...so that could net them a return for "need" if that is what you'd want.

[Tim Muma]

8 hours ago, Hacksaw Jim Duggan said:

The Brewers have zero starting pitcher prospects but multiple position players in triple AAA.  Arnold needs to replenish the minors with impact pitching.  Stearns showed a blueprint of how to win with impact pitching and defense, less than a week after replacing the GM articles are appearing saying to trade the winning pitchers for position players?  Has anyone watched how the Brewers won the last 4 years?  

First off, like another commenter said...these are options to target. Some players would require higher costs, and I am always honest, it's an educated guess what each team is willing to deal. I do my best to see a big picture on it. And for the record, I'm not sold on Turang as an everyday player (more like the replacement for Peterson) & Urias still has risk. Tyler Black COULD be ready by 2024, but he has also had some injury setbacks. The infield outlook is far more questionable than the outfield, at least in the near future.

Secondly, as noted, if you trade a Woodruff or especially Burnes, you're getting multiple players back and would/should include a viable starting pitcher. With Woody and Burnes under contract only through 2024, you know the Brewers likely need to trade one as they won't/can't pay to keep both long-term.

Lastly, other acquisitions and trades can also happen to supplement a move for a young third baseman or to replenish positions at the MLB level and the minors. I think it's likely one of their minor league outfielders is part of a deal this offseason...so that could net them a return for "need" if that is what you'd want.

[Robocaller]

The only thing surprising about Travis Shaw is that he spontaneously forgot how to hit. 

 

[Robocaller]

The only thing surprising about Travis Shaw is that he spontaneously forgot how to hit. 

 

[Robocaller]

10 hours ago, wibadgers23 said:

If we do trade a Burnes or Woodruff, I’d target Miguel Vargas from the Dodgers. Not sure how his defense is at 3B, but I’d be willing to take my chances.

Vargas would be a useful guy to have, but he's probably not sticking at 3B. He could be a corner INF/OF/DH for us.

[Robocaller]

10 hours ago, wibadgers23 said:

If we do trade a Burnes or Woodruff, I’d target Miguel Vargas from the Dodgers. Not sure how his defense is at 3B, but I’d be willing to take my chances.

Vargas would be a useful guy to have, but he's probably not sticking at 3B. He could be a corner INF/OF/DH for us.

[Robocaller]

12 hours ago, jay87shot said:

Good article, I have been thinking Diaz but Mead would be interesting. I am sure the Ray's could be in on Woodruff or Burnes but I doubt there would be an extension. 

I know this is trades but Adames could always be an option to if they feel like Turang is a better option at SS than second and want to keep Wong.

 

Diaz would be great, except he becomes a FA the same time Burnes/Woodruff do.

Moving Adames off SS is ludicrous. He's a quality SS and he's only going to be around for 1-2 more years.

[Robocaller]

12 hours ago, jay87shot said:

Good article, I have been thinking Diaz but Mead would be interesting. I am sure the Ray's could be in on Woodruff or Burnes but I doubt there would be an extension. 

I know this is trades but Adames could always be an option to if they feel like Turang is a better option at SS than second and want to keep Wong.

 

Diaz would be great, except he becomes a FA the same time Burnes/Woodruff do.

Moving Adames off SS is ludicrous. He's a quality SS and he's only going to be around for 1-2 more years.

[UpandIn]

9 minutes ago, Robocaller said:

Diaz would be great, except he becomes a FA the same time Burnes/Woodruff do.

Moving Adames off SS is ludicrous. He's a quality SS and he's only going to be around for 1-2 more years.

I feel like we've gone in this circle a WHOLE lot. 

What would make it ludicrous? Do you NOT believe he can handle it? Is there any suggestion that Turang is not an elite defender, primarily at SS?

So if it makes the Brewers better to go with Adames(3B), Turang(SS) and Wong/Urias(2B) then that's what you should do. 

As is repeatedly pointed out, the 3B will be lining up close to where the SS plays when they're straight up vs lefties. 

And if you're right and he'll only be here for 1-2 more years, then it makes more sense to keep Turang at his natural position, to keep Wong/Urias at positions their better suited for and sliding Adames over where he can make use of his big arm and great range. 

Yeah, he's a quality SS. So he'd almost certainly be a quality 3B...and it'd sold our 3B hole, particularly if Turang is able to just be a .270/.330/.380 type hitter with plus defense who can steal some bases. 

[UpandIn]

9 minutes ago, Robocaller said:

Diaz would be great, except he becomes a FA the same time Burnes/Woodruff do.

Moving Adames off SS is ludicrous. He's a quality SS and he's only going to be around for 1-2 more years.

I feel like we've gone in this circle a WHOLE lot. 

What would make it ludicrous? Do you NOT believe he can handle it? Is there any suggestion that Turang is not an elite defender, primarily at SS?

So if it makes the Brewers better to go with Adames(3B), Turang(SS) and Wong/Urias(2B) then that's what you should do. 

As is repeatedly pointed out, the 3B will be lining up close to where the SS plays when they're straight up vs lefties. 

And if you're right and he'll only be here for 1-2 more years, then it makes more sense to keep Turang at his natural position, to keep Wong/Urias at positions their better suited for and sliding Adames over where he can make use of his big arm and great range. 

Yeah, he's a quality SS. So he'd almost certainly be a quality 3B...and it'd sold our 3B hole, particularly if Turang is able to just be a .270/.330/.380 type hitter with plus defense who can steal some bases.