This Milwaukee Breweries recently placed Christian Yelich on the injured list for the second time this year with a back injury. The issue has cost him playing time dating back to his time with the Miami Marlins, but this latest bout is considered more concerning. After meeting with a specialist, he has decided to rest and rehab with the goal of returning this season and possibly requiring offseason surgery.
Yelich currently has no timetable for a return, but it is believed he will miss significant time over the final two months of the season. With the trade deadline less than a week away, MLB Insider indicated that the Brewers are now looking for one specific type of hitter.
The Milwaukee Brewers will be targeting one specific type of hitter following the recent injury reports of Christian Yelich.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Brewers are targeting left-handed players as well as starting pitching ahead of the trade deadline. Rosenthal noted that while Yelich’s productivity is irreplaceable, there are Brice Turang, Sala Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, Jake Bauers and switch hitter Blake Perkins as left-handed players. He also reminded readers that Milwaukee has Tyler Black in Triple-A.
Related: The Milwaukee Brewers have been linked to an intriguing left-handed starting pitcher from the Los Angeles Angels.
Who is the best left-handed player available in a player trade this year?
Among the top left-handed hitters available at the trade deadline this year is former Miami Marlins infielder and current outfielder Jazz Chisholm. He is probably the most thrilling option, but with health concerns and the fact that he has two years of arbitration remaining, the cost of acquiring him could be more than Milwaukee is willing to pay.
Another option is a player with variable hitting percentage (second base, third base, corner outfield) Luis Rengifo. The Los Angeles Angels are in clear trade mode, but Rengifo currently has a batting average above .300 and is manageable through the 2025 season. As with Chisholm, it will take a deep pool of prospects to acquire him.
Finally, both LaMonte Wade Jr (1B – San Francisco Giants) and Brandon Lowe (2B/OF – Tampa Bay Rays) are left-handed hitters with potential. Wade Jr currently has a .298/.423/.399 slash line and a 142 OPS+ and would be a significant upgrade over Rhys Hoskins (99 OPS+ this year) and Jake Bauers. Lowe has an .860 OPS this year, can hit for power, and has a club option for the 2025 season.
Which left-handed hitters are the weakest options available this year at the time of offers?
Finally, there are other players like OF/DH Jesse Winker and 1B/DH Josh Bell (switch hitter) available as options. Winker struggled with the Brewers last season but has been reborn this year. Bell has struggled mightily, but previous reports have indicated that Miami is desperate enough to trade him while also absorbing a significant portion of his remaining salary.
Related: Josh Bell available for prospects.
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