The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired INF Brad Miller in exchange for 1B Ji-Man Choi.
For the Brewers, I don\’t 100% understand the trade. But, With Eric Thames, Ryan Braun and Jesus Aguilar ahead of him on the depth chart, there isn\’t much need for Choi. While both have been assigned to AAA, I think Miller can be up relatively soon. Miller is currently a second baseman, with first and shortstop being primary positions in the past. Right now, he would be the third second baseman, behind starter Jonathan Villar and Eric Sogard, and the second shortstop, behind the struggling Orlando Arcia. But, Hernan Perez can also play second, and Tyler Saladino and Nick Franklin are hurt, and could place ahead of Miller on the depth chart.
Miller, 28, has a .256 batting average, five homers and 21 RBIs in 174 Plate Appearances for the Rays this season. In his MLB career for the Rays and Seattle Mariners, Miller has a batting average of .240, with 73 homers, 260 RBIs and 33 stolen bases in 2425 Plate Appearances.
For the Rays, Miller has been very disappointing the last two seasons since a 30 homer 2016 season. He was finally DFA\’d earlier this week. Like Miller, Choi was assigned to AAA. He is currently the third 1B on the depth chart, following starter C.J. Cron and prospect Jake Bauers. The 22 year old Bauers was just recently called up, going 3 for 16 in his short MLB stint. He has options, and unless he quickly heats up, chances are he\’s going back down eventually. Which could lead to a Choi promotion as the backup 1B.
Choi, 27, has a .233 batting average, with two homers and five RBIs in 32 Plate Appearances for the Brewers this year. In his MLB career for the Brewers, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels, Choi has a batting average of .191, with nine homers and 22 RBIs.
I think this is an even trade. Both teams get some depth in case something goes wrong. But, as most depth trades are, there\’s nothing too special about it.
CarterHud 