Brewers Acquire Jake Bauers from Yankees in Exchange for Prospects
The Milwaukee Brewers have made a move to bolster their roster, acquiring infielder/outfielder Jake Bauers from the New York Yankees. In return, the Yankees will receive minor league outfielders Jace Avina and Brian Sanchez.
Bauers, 28, signed a minor league deal with the Yankees prior to the 2023 season and appeared in 84 big league games. While his numbers weren’t outstanding, Bauers showed promise with 12 home runs and a .202 batting average. He also demonstrated good plate discipline, walking at a 9.9% clip.
Although Bauers has struggled to find consistent success at the major league level, he has impressed in the minors throughout his career. Drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2013, he was later traded to the Tampa Bay Rays and then to the Cleveland Indians. In 2021, he was dealt to the Seattle Mariners before ultimately landing with the Yankees.
With the Brewers, Bauers will have an opportunity to prove himself as a valuable asset. He may potentially serve as a replacement for Rowdy Tellez, who had a lackluster season with a .215 batting average. Tellez is also projected to have a higher salary in his final arbitration year, making him a speculative non-tender candidate.
The Brewers still have a few hours to decide whether to keep Tellez or work out a trade. Bauers’ versatility, as he can play both first base and the corner outfield, may allow both players to fit on the roster. However, the Brewers already have a strong outfield lineup, including Christian Yelich, Tyrone Taylor, Joey Wiemer, Garrett Mitchell, Sal Frelick, and Blake Perkins.
In exchange for Bauers, the Yankees will receive two promising prospects for their farm system. Jace Avina, who will turn 21 in June, had an impressive season in Single-A with a .233 batting average and a wRC+ of 134. Brian Sanchez, just 19 years old, showcased his potential in the Dominican Summer League with a .297 batting average and a wRC+ of 129.
Both Avina and Sanchez are considered long-term plays for the Yankees and are not currently eligible for the Rule 5 draft. This trade allows the Yankees to add depth to their farm system while parting ways with a player who may not have been in their plans for the upcoming season.
The Brewers and Yankees have made a significant move ahead of the tender deadline, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening their respective rosters. Only time will tell if Bauers can finally find success at the big league level and if Avina and Sanchez will develop into impactful players for the Yankees.