MIL / ARI Trade

[Milwaukee Brewers]

The Brewers have completed another deal with our frequent trade partner the Diamondbacks!

Brewers receive:

• Jake Bauers, 1B/LF, CLE - 20/$1 TC3
• Will Smith, C, LAD - 20/$0.75 TC2
• Monte Harrison, CF, MIA - $0.2 prospect
• Gilberto Celestino, CF, MIN - $0.2 prospect

Diamondbacks receive:

• Mark Canha, 1B/OF, OAK - 20/$3.44 ARB3 (50% of original contract, CHC covering the rest)
• Jorge Alfaro, C, MIA - 20/$1 TC3
• Josh Stowers, CF, NYY - $0.2 prospect
• Jeisson Rosario, CF, SD - $0.2 prospect

The Diamondbacks came knocking regarding Canha originally.  His versatility filled several needs they had.  With that said, he did the same for my roster, but the fact that he's already 30, coming off a career year, and in ARB 3 I decided to cash out and get younger pieces.  Bauers was a top 100 prospect in the past but has yet to live up to his potential.  This is likely going to be a make-or-break year for him IRL.  He will still be able to cover some of the positions that Canha will have so that played into the decision as well.  Will Smith was also a top 100 guy coming into 2019 and played pretty well following his call-up.  As long as he gets consistent playing time I like his outlook in the LAD offense more than Alfaro's in MIA.  At the same time, Harrison (also a top 100 guy) could break camp as the MIA CF which would be the 3rd position Canha will have so between Harrison and Bauers I'll still have 3 positions covered at 1B/LF/CF.  There's a lot of risk here though, I may not get anything out of either to start the year while Canha should be locked into a starting position.  Finally, we were pleased to be able to add Celestino.  His skills look promising across the board sans power.  We're excited to see his continued development.  Basically this deal is a bit riskier for me than ARI but I think I get the higher upside as well.

We wish Mark, Jorge, Josh and Jeisson the best with their new team.  Thanks to the D-Backs for the deal.  Good luck in 2020.

[Arizona Diamondbacks]

For the D-Backs this was about using some of our MiLB capital to improve the MLB lineup now...which we feel we have done. Canha had a career year, so far. At 30 he is in his prime and helps us at 2 of our weak positions, 1B and CF. He will be in the lineup everyday depending on who else we have that is hitting at those 2 positions. He creates some nice mix and match opportunities for us. We loved Smith and think he will do well, but Alfaro will suffice for us at that position. We believe Alfaro will hit for a better average while Smith we have the advantage in the power categories. We hated to give up Harrison in this deal, but we want to try and move into a competitive situation this year and just couldn't count on Harrison being the everyday CF. Celestino is as described, a solid prospect with some tools. But, we feel the 2 prospects we received  in the deal are also quality players with good shots at making it.

Thanks to the Brewers for the deal which as usual for us took a good bit of back and forth. We wish them good luck this season.

[Arizona Diamondbacks]

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