2023 Minor League Transaction Thread

[jay87shot]

When do minor league teams normally put out a finalized roster?

Great to hear the org. being semi aggressive and putting Wagoner in A+ to start the year.

[Jim Goulart]

1 hour ago, jay87shot said:

When do minor league teams normally put out a finalized roster?

Great to hear the org. being semi aggressive and putting Wagoner in A+ to start the year.

In past years, it is normally two days prior to the start of the respective regular seasons. Would not be surprised by a Nashville press release today.

[Ro Mueller]

- RHP Israel Puello released by High-A Wisconsin
- 1B/3B Branlyn Jaraba released by Low-A Carolina
- RHP Arnaldo Hernandez released by AA Biloxi
- RHP Jonathan Beymer released by ACL Brewers Blue

[Jim Goulart]

Baseball America's Chris Trenkle makes note of five Brewers releases yet to be made public prior:

Milwaukee Brewers
Released: | RHP Juan Geraldo | RHP Moises Gomez | RHP Matt Hardy | LHP Jackson Gillis | 2B Zack Raabe | 

Check in later today as we'll update this thread with our "well wishes" posts regarding pro their careers (thus far).

[Joseph Zarr]

Boy these releases are coming in all too frequently this week. It's never easy to report these and, as always, we wish each and every player the very best moving forward.

Thankfully, our colleague and friend @damuelle will give each and every player mentioned the farewell words they deserve.

[ARobsBrewCrew]

2022 top draft pick SS Eric Brown, Jr. confirmed with me this afternoon that he is indeed headed to Appleton to begin his first full pro season.

[Ro Mueller]

RHP Israel Puello – 22 – An international free agent signing ($460k) by the Phillies out of the Dominican Republic in July 2017, Puello was one of three young pitchers acquired by the Brewers in the David Phelps 2020 trade. A brief but eye-opening 2021 in Arizona saw Israel post a 4.94 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 12.2 K/9 rate and fantastic 37K/9BB ratio in 27.1 innings. Outside of a high ERA (5.51), Mr. Puello was again very respectable at Low-A Carolina in the first half of 2022, with a 1.33 WHIP, 11.2 K/9 rate and 61K/17BB ratio, earning a mid-season promotion to High-A Wisconsin, where the going was understandably rougher (5.55 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 50K/34BB). This is probably the most surprising of today’s releases. We wish Israel tremendous success in his next opportunity.

RHP Matt Hardy – 27 – Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Hardy struggled through his first two seasons before a breakout campaign at Carolina in 2019 (3.32 ERA, 10.0 K/9). He continued that success at Biloxi in 2021 (3.83 ERA, 11.1 K/9) before finding it a bit more difficult at Nashville last year (4.15 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 8.3 K/9). Eligible for minor league free agency after this season, the Brewers obviously decided it wasn’t worth Mr. Hardy occupying a precious MILB roster spot. Hopefully his recent terrific stint in Puerto Rican Winter Ball (0.64 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 9.3 K/9 in 28 innings) will help Matt quickly land on his feet.

1B/3B Branlyn Jaraba – 21 – A big bonus international signing ($1.1m) in July 2018 out of Columbia, Branlyn debuted in the DSL in June 2019, producing a .677 OPS with 4 homers, 20 walks and 75 Ks in 280 plate appearances. The lost Covid year was followed by an injury-plagued 2021 (57 PAs in Arizona) before Mr. Jaraba showed glimpses of his potential in 2022: .615 OPS in 90 PAs in Arizona, .717 OPS in 61 PAs at Low-A Carolina. However, last year’s 8BB/53K ratio was likely too much for the Brewers to brush aside. Best of luck to Branlyn in the career and life opportunities which follow.

RHP Juan Geraldo – 21 – The third and final member of the 2020 David Phelps trade, Juan was originally signed by the Phillies out of the Dominican Republic in September 2017. He only had one season to strut his stuff for the Brewers, registering a 5.69 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 9.9 K/9 rate in 49 innings as a reliever at Low-A Carolina in 2021. Sadly, that campaign ended due to an injury on August 21, 2021 and he underwent Tommy John surgery, then missed the entire 2022 season as a result. We’ve noted Mr. Geraldo’s presence in at least two MILB spring training games, so it appears he’s healthy once again. Good luck to Juan on his next adventure and career opportunities.

2B Zack Raabe – 23 – An 8th round draft selection ($150k signing) out of the University of Minnesota in 2021, Mr. Raabe was an on-base machine over his two minor league seasons, including a .368 OBP last season (308 PAs in Low-A Carolina, 34 at High-A Wisconsin). Although the 75BB/85K ratio and .362 career OBP are impressive, these are unfortunately paired with a .226 AVG and .276 SLG, with no home runs, one triple and just seven stolen bases in 445 career plate appearances. Hopefully Zack can get more balls to drop for hits at his next opportunity.

RHP Arnaldo Hernandez – 27 – Originally an international signing out of Venezuela by the Royals in September 2012, Arnaldo had some decent numbers as a starting pitcher in AAA in 2017-2018, thus getting added to Kansas City’s 40-man MLB roster before a rough 2019 in AAA sent him to independent ball. The Brewers signed him to a 2-year MILB contract in December 2021, but AA Biloxi was a nightmare for him in 2022: 7.03 ERA, 1.91 WHIP, 12.2 K/9 in 48.2 innings. We were hoping that Mr. Hernandez’s respectable Venezuelan winter league campaign (3.51 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 9.5 K/9) had put him back on course, but now it’s on to the next stop. Good luck to you, Arnaldo.

LHP Jackson Gillis – 25 – The Brewers selected Gillis in the 13th round of the 2019 draft ($125k), despite him pitching just seven innings at Vanderbilt that year. Intending to ease him in, Jackson didn’t make an MILB appearance in 2019, then lost out on 2020 as well. Mr. Gillis finally made his MILB debut on May 6, 2021 for Low-A Carolina. Unfortunately, he made it just six weeks before an injury requiring Tommy John surgery ended that season early: 9.24 ERA, 2.05 WHIP, 7.8 K/9 in 12.2 innings. He spent 2022 recovering from injury and he wasn’t listed on any of the MILB lineups this spring. We hope that Jackson has made a full physical recovery and wish him success in his upcoming endeavors.

RHP Jonathan Beymer – 24 – Undrafted out of Campbell University in 2022, the Brewers signed Jonathan as a free agent and gave him three appearances at ACL Brewers Blue: 4 IP, 2.25 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 11.3 K/9. He also featured four times on MILB lineup cards this spring, so the team probably wanted to see him against real opposition before making this difficult decision. We wish Jonathan better luck on his next opportunity.

RHP Moises Gomez – 26 – An international free agent signing of the Twins out of Venezuela in 2014, Moises had a respectable 2018 and terrific 2019, before the Covid year. A solid 2021 with the Mariners (2.93 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 in 46 relief innings at AA/AAA) appeared to inch him closer to his dream, before signing with Milwaukee in December 2021. However, he retired at the end of spring training in 2022, before resurfacing in Venezuelan winter ball and joining his second spring training with the Brewers. Good luck to Mr. Gomez as he searches for the right fit.

[Jim Goulart]

This Minnesota home state article on Zack Raabe, posted the same day of this release announcement, just goes to show the blindside effect. Quotes within on Raabe’s excitement on the upcoming season he hoped to have.

[Jim Goulart]

In addition to Israel Puello and Juan Geraldo detailed above, the third pitcher acquired in September 2020 was RHP Brandon Ramey, who was released in May of 2022.

 

[Ro Mueller]

- LHP Clayton Andrews assigned to AAA Nashville from AA Biloxi
- INF Cam Devanney, INF Josh VanMeter, RHP Jake Cousins placed on AAA Nashville’s 7-day injured list
- OF Monte Harrison, INF Patrick Dorrian, LHP Thomas Pannone placed on Development List from AAA Nashville
- C Brent Diaz assigned to AAA Nashville from AA Biloxi, but then placed on Development List

[Ro Mueller]

- OF Joey Wiemer’s contract selected by MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville (INF Luis Urias placed on 10-day MLB injured list; LHP Justin Wilson transferred to 60-day MLB injured list)

[Ro Mueller]

- RHP Rafael Garcia placed on Low-A Carolina full season injured list
- RHP Fray Morelo placed on Low-A Carolina full season injured list

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Joseph Zarr]

Goodness Cousins can not catch a break over the past year plus of ball. Let's just get him healthy so he can build back to the pitcher we know he can be. I feel for the young man.

[Joseph Zarr]

Excited for Sibrian to get the opportunity to show his skills. A very underrated but skilled catcher behind the dish. 

[Ro Mueller]

Absent players of note:

• RHP Logan Henderson - didn't show up on any of the spring training lineup cards, but I was hoping that we were just being careful with him
• LHP Pablo Garabitos - also didn't show up on the spring training lineup cards, which was quite troubling for a solid reliever
• OF Arbert Cipion - same story
• RHP Ryne Moore - ARobsBrewCrew had earlier posted that Moore is working back from Tommy John surgery

[Ro Mueller]

• Promoted to Low-A Carolina from ACL Brewers Blue: RHP/1B Quinton Low, INF Daniel Guilarte, LHP Nate Peterson (2022 draft pick making debut), RHP Nick Merkel, C Jhonnys Cabrera, C Matthew Wood
• Promoted to Low-A Carolina from ACL Brewers Gold: OF/INF Kay-Lan Nicasia, C Blayberg Diaz, 3B Luke Adams, RHP Patricio Aquino, INF Gregory Barrios, LHP Jakob Brustoski, RHP Aidan Maldonado (2022 draft pick making debut), 1B/3B Jesus Parra, RHP Tyler Wehrle, RHP Shane Smith
• Assigned to Low-A Carolina from High-A Wisconsin: RHP Miguel Guerrero, 1B/C Tayden Hall
• Assigned to Low-A Carolina: RHP Tanner Shears (independent league signing), RHP Chase Costello (independent league signing)

• Promoted to High-A Wisconsin from ACL Brewers Blue: RHP Ryan Brady
• Promoted to High-A Wisconsin from Low-A Carolina: INF Eric Brown Jr., INF Robert Moore, RHP Cameron Wagoner, C Jose Sibrian, 1B Jesus Chirinos, C Alex Hall, OF Hendry Mendez, RHP Michele Vassalotti, RHP Tyler Woessner, RHP Max Lazar
• Assigned to High-A Wisconsin from AA Biloxi: OF Terence Doston, RHP Taylor Floyd
• Assigned to High-A Wisconsin: OF Je’Von Ward (injured since August 2021; last played in High-A), LHP Luis Amaya (MILB free agent signing; last played in High-A), RHP Joseph Hernandez (acquired in Justin Topa trade; last played in Low-A), RHP Kaleb Bowman (independent league signing)

• Promoted to AA Biloxi from High-A Wisconsin: C Jeferson Quero, INF/OF Tyler Black, OF Carlos D. Rodriguez, RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez
• Assigned to AA Biloxi: LHP Adam Seminaris (acquired in Hunter Renfroe trade; last played in AAA), RHP Tobias Myers (MILB free agent signing; last played in AAA), RHP Justin Yeager (acquired in Esteury Ruiz trade; last played in AA), INF Isaac Collins (selected in MILB portion of Rule 5 Draft; last played in AA), RHP Christian Mejias (MILB free agent signing; last played in High-A), OF Lamar Sparks (independent league signing), LHP Darrell Thompson (independent league signing)

[ARobsBrewCrew]

OF Arbert Cipion was diagnosed with Keratoconus in both eyes this offseason which is an alteration in the shape of the eye that affects vision to some extent (PS- I am not a doctor).  Cipion has had an operation on one eye already and, once that is healed, will have it on the other one as well.  No timetable is set for his return, but, unfortunately, I fear it may be a lengthy absence.

[wiguy94]

10 minutes ago, ARobsBrewCrew said:

OF Arbert Cipion was diagnosed with Keratoconus in both eyes this offseason which is an alteration in the shape of the eye that affects vision to some extent (PS- I am not a doctor).  Cipion has had an operation on one eye already and, once that is healed, will have it on the other one as well.  No timetable is set for his return, but, unfortunately, I fear it may be a lengthy absence.

That's a bummer. Hopefully he heals up and can get back to playing baseball again. Would hate for a guy's career to end to something like this. 

Any chance you have any information on Logan Henderson?

[Joseph Zarr]

9 minutes ago, ARobsBrewCrew said:

OF Arbert Cipion was diagnosed with Keratoconus in both eyes this offseason which is an alteration in the shape of the eye that affects vision to some extent (PS- I am not a doctor).  Cipion has had an operation on one eye already and, once that is healed, will have it on the other one as well.  No timetable is set for his return, but, unfortunately, I fear it may be a lengthy absence.

Sheesh, that's a tough one but, thankfully, he is getting the care he needs to continue his career. Athletes can play with this and it certainly appears he is taking the steps needed to get his vision to a better place. Godspeed on a healthy and effective recovery. Please send my best to one of the Brewers talented and very likable young players.

[CheeseheadInQC]

One of the things that struck me about these rosters is the one downside to depth. You can probably point to at least three pitchers, if not more, on each of Biloxi, Wisconsin and Carolina staffs who should really be the next level up whether by performance, logistics (years before minor league free agency) or both.

[ARobsBrewCrew]

22 minutes ago, wiguy94 said:

Any chance you have any information on Logan Henderson?

Still waiting on an update, but I spoke with him on March 25th at which point he said that he was feeling good and ready for a healthy season.  Perhaps he is ramping up still and nearing game action.  I’ll update if I hear anything else!

[wiguy94]

20 minutes ago, ARobsBrewCrew said:

Still waiting on an update, but I spoke with him on March 25th at which point he said that he was feeling good and ready for a healthy season.  Perhaps he is ramping up still and nearing game action.  I’ll update if I hear anything else!

Thanks for everything you do!

[Ro Mueller]

• RHP Jeral Vizcaino released by DSL Brewers-2 - shocker, given 1.46 ERA in 37 IP last year. But I guess he's 21 years old already and there are perhaps other details which we don't know
• RHP Gregory Baez released by DSL Brewers-1
• RHP Nelson Cuevas released by DSL Brewers-2
• RHP Waldin Rodriguez released by DSL Brewers-2 
   

[Joseph Zarr]

OF Yophery Rodriguez has been assigned to the DSL Brewers-1 (he had signed back in January of 2023)