The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly after a pair of All-Star free agents.
According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden on Monday, the Brewers are pursuing both Chicago Cubs righty Jake Arrieta and Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas. Bowden also says that a Moustakas signing could be a precursor to a trade of incumbent Milwaukee third baseman Travis Shaw.
#Brewers continue to be “in” on RHP Jake Arrieta & also 3B Michael Moustakas with the idea that if they signed Moustakas they could trade Travis Shaw to NYY, ATL or NYM according to a club source.
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) January 15, 2018
While they may come across as overly ambitious here, the Brewers, who went 86-76 last season, are actually quite well-positioned for a run at both players. They consistently have one of the lowest payrolls in the league, and outfielder Ryan Braun’s deal is their only major financial commitment at the moment.
Granted, Arrieta and Moustakas have bigger-name suitors knocking at their door this winter. But the combination of money, fit, and playoff contention possibilities could force them to at least give Milwaukee a long, hard look.
