KC Royals: Making the case, Brewers free agents

As the two teams have been frequent trade partners, could the KC Royals find any of Milwaukee’s free agents worth reeling in?

Welcome back to Kings of Kauffman’s continuing series analyzing the major league free agent market and projecting who might, or might not, fit the KC Royals’ needs. Today we look at the Brewers’ free agents.

Leading the charge in his sixth season as skipper, it was the first time since 2016 Craig Counsell had a losing record for the Brewers. Nonetheless, the 29-31 mark—just three games better than the KC Royals—was good enough to qualify for the expanded postseason this past summer.

Milwaukee would go on to lose its Wild Card series to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers two games to none. The Brewers have already made a couple of big decisions by declining their option on long time franchise star Ryan Braun and resigning Brett Anderson to a one-year contract.

Many corner infielders to choose from

While the middle infield of the KC Royals seems set for years to come, the first and third base positions are still in flux. Maikel Franco only has one more year before free agency and Hunter Dozier is in his third position in three years at first base.

Although he’s an aging superstar, the big name on the market from the Brewers is Braun. He has spent the first 14 years of his career with the franchise. His batting average and ability to get on base plunged drastically from his career numbers in 2020.

While primarily an outfielder during his major league tenure, Braun has a handful of games at first base under his belt. If the Royals were to pursue him, that is where he would be the best fit. His range and fielding percentage are no longer useful past the infield, especially in spacious Kauffman Stadium.

The only way I make a play for him, however, is if the Royals make the deal for Kris Bryant freeing up third base for Dozier to return to, with Bryant holding down right or left field. Then, under a two-year contract, we can see what Braun has left at first base while we wait for Nick Pratto or another prospect to take over the reins at that position.

Braun has expressed an interest to keep playing and although he will be 38 next year, he still hits at an OPS+ of over 100. He could buy the Royals time to develop the next true first baseman and provide veteran leadership.

After reviewing the last of the infielders, we look at the two remaining pitchers from the Brewers that the KC Royals could consider signing.

A tough-as-nails player, infielder Eric Sogard definitely leaves it all on the field. That does not always lead to production at the plate as his .246/.316/.340 career slash indicates.

Out of nowhere, Sogard had a monster season in 2019 hitting 13 homers and a career-high .290 batting average. The $4 million he was paid to hit .201 with one dinger in 2020 was not a solid return for Milwaukee. I would pass on bringing him in unless it was a very cheap deal and only for a utility role.

Two pitchers whose time may have passed

After struggling the last few seasons and dealing with injuries, Shelby Miller passed on participating in the 2020 campaign. After two solid years to begin his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Miller went on to have his best year Sabermetric-wise with the Atlanta Braves in 2015.

In his lone year in Atlanta, he lost 17 games. Yes, 17 games. But his ERA was 3.02, his WHIP 1.25, and he had a career full season-best 127 ERA+. Ever since then, he has struggled and while the wonderment of seeing if he can return to form is there, it does not appear he would fit in with the Royals unless we could do a minor league deal for a tryout.

Lastly, we look at a reliever who spent a small chunk of time in Kansas City in 2018. Justin Grimm appeared in 16 games with the Royals that season, posting a 13.50 ERA and walking an unbearable 14 batters in 12 2/3 innings.

Grimm pitched in the minors in 2019 before returning to big league action with the Brewers this summer. The results were not pretty:  four walks, four home runs allowed in just shy of five frames pitched, with a 17.36 ERA and 2.79 WHIP to boot. Nothing for the KC Royals to explore here.

That is a recap of the players who are available from the Milwaukee Brewers. There could be a potential fit or two for the KC Royals just to see if there is anything left in the tank.  Perhaps a surprise addition to the team would be a part of the return to contention.