Article: And Yet Another Catcher Move? Brewers Acquire Alex Jackson from Miami.

[John Bonnes]

The Brewers announced via their Twitter feed that they have acquired catcher Alex Jackson from the Miami Marlins for infielder Hayden Cantrelle and right-handed pitcher Alexis Ramirez. Jackson was assigned to AAA-Nashville, but has displayed some promising power in the minors. But he didn't cost nothing. 

Not only did the Brewers acquire their backup catcher earlier today to replace the suspended Pedro Severino, but they added an insurance policy with some upside as well, acquiring 26-year-old catcher Alex Jackson from the Miami Marlins. Jackson has played 61 games in the majors over the last three years with the Marlins and Braves. 

He was also the sixth overall pick by the Mariners back in 2014. After a trade to the Braves in 2016 he moved back from corner outfielder to backup catcher. He's posted an undewhelming career 468 OPS in spot starts in the majors, but has shown a lot more in AAA, including a career .540 slugging percentage in 151 games. Last year in AAA-Gwinnet, he posted a 1060 OPS, albeit in just 30 games. 

In return, the Brewers sent back 23-year-old infielder Hayden Cantrelle and 22-year-old pitcher Alexis Ramirez.

Cantrelle was the 151st overall draft pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, and posted a 675 OPS last year between the High-A Wisconsin and the Double-A Biloxi. He showed off his speed, stealing 29 bases in 90 games. However, while his combined .171 batting average invites the "you can't steal first base" adage, you are allowed to walk, and he did that a lot - enough to post a .368 on-base percentage.

Brewers fans haven't seen Alexis Ramirez with an affiliated team. He pitched in the Dominican Summer League in 2018, and then pitcher in the Arizona Fall League in 2019, posting a 5.15 ERA in 11 games. That included 50K in 43.2 IP, but also 23 walks. Last year he spent time on a 60-day Injured List. 

So given a roster crisis, it appears the Brewers overhauled their high-level catcher organization chart with a couple of moves. What that means for Pedro Severino and the future of the position over the second half of the year is unclear for now. 

 

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