Is Andruw Monasterio The Answer As Utility Infielder, Or Do The Brewers Need To Make A Trade?

[Ryan Pollak]

The once-surprising rookie, Andruw Monasterio, is becoming a forgotten option on the Brewers roster. Should they look to upgrade from the utility role off the bench?

Image courtesy of © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Like all competing teams in July, the Brewers are looking to solidify their roster for the second half of the season. Sure, we’ve heard our rumors of adding pitching to the rotation and that Milwaukee's hitting is doing pretty well, but it leaves this question no one is really talking about: What are the Brewers doing with Andruw Monasterio?

He was the third baseman while Joey Ortiz recovered from his neck injury. However, with three position players hurt in Ortiz, Gary Sanchez, and Oliver Dunn, Monasterio will likely return to a backup “utility” player role and be the only one from the bench who could play any infield position.

When he played this season, he hit .203/.292/.281 with one home run and 10 RBI. While it has been a small sample size (89 PA), he hasn’t been very productive. It makes you wonder if the Brewers should look for an upgrade by the deadline. Why don’t you look at some reasons why they should or shouldn’t pursue another utility infielder?

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Why Should They?
The Brewers are contending for a division title. If they want to stay healthy, energized, and ready for a playoff run in 2024, players are going to need time to take time off. That even goes for Willy Adames, who has not missed a game this year. Right now, that player that’s coming off the bench is Monasterio.

They have already experimented with Oliver Dunn, who is on the injured list. With a stat line of .221/.282/.316, Dunn hasn’t been doing too badly. The same goes for top prospect Tyler Black, who, in 12 games, has a .235 batting average with a .610 OPS.

However, Monasterio’s versatility could give him the edge as Dunn has mainly played third while Black looks more like a future first baseman for the club. Monasterio has played every spot in the infielder (other than shortstop) and was even put in the outfield after pinch-hitting in a game earlier this season.

If you want proof, please look at last Saturday when the Nationals used a left-handed opener. While Turang eventually took over for Monasterio at the top of the 6th, it’s still worth noting he would be used in a platoon role.

While there is an argument that the club can use left-handed infielders in the lineup, the club already has a decent chunk of left-handed bats, including Jake Bauers, Brice Turang, and four outfielders. Not only that, but the Brewers' splits also show the left-handed bats aren’t having an issue regardless of who’s throwing on the mound.

Baseball-Reference shows right-handed bats hit .233 with a .696 OPS. The only statistic worse in platoon splits is how they fair against starting lefties (.230/.316/.379). Of the 11 Brewers right-handed batters on the 40-man roster that faced left-handed pitching, Monasterio statistically has the worst stats (.184/.262/.290).

So, if the Brewers want to improve in some areas, perhaps a decent upgrade could be the answer. While there hasn’t been much information on a potential utility player on the trade market, a selling team could sell a player with these traits at the right price.

If not that, there will be teams that will waive/release players that the club could pick up. Last year, the club picked up former MVP Josh Donaldson in late August. It is worth noting that the Phillies' recently released utility player, Whit Merrifield, could be one of those names to look at.

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Why They Don’t Need To
Monasterio has been a great story within the organization. Once signed at 17 years old to the Cubs and then traded in two separate trades, Monasterio signed with the Brewers on a minor league contract in 2021. He was added to the 26-man roster in 2023 after Willy Adames went on the concussion injured list and never looked back.

He was never a top prospect in the club’s farm system but took advantage of his time in the major league club. With Adames likely to sign elsewhere in the offseason, Turang, Black, Ortiz, and even Cooper Pratt and Brock Wilken look to be a part of the team’s future.

It almost feels like this team is going for it all in the 2025 season. While this season has been fun, this isn’t even the peak of this team’s potential. With Ortiz back in the lineup, there are not a ton of plate appearances left for Monasterio.

If the brewers believe they have a chance for a deep run in the playoffs this season, there are more pressing needs besides a utility player upgrade. The rotation includes Freddy Peralta, Colin Rea, Aaron Civale, and Tobias Myers, with the potential of DL Hall and maybe Joe Ross coming back at some point this season. Not to mention, Devin Williams will be back in the bullpen at some point this season.

If the Brewers want to trade any prospects to compete this season, starting pitching might be the club's route at the deadline. But don’t expect any huge name like Garrett Crochet from the White Sox because that will cost a ton of top prospects to get him. Perhaps Yusei Kikuchi, Tyler Anderson, and maybe even Erick Fedde or Jack Flaherty would be the guys they go for. However, some of those could cost a lot due to the lack of starting pitching for these competing clubs.

If Monasterio continues to struggle within the club, there are other options. Sure, we’ve seen Capra, (Owen) Miller, and Dunn, but Black hasn’t had much chance to slide in at third yet. They are still planning him as an option at first, but he’s had third base and center field reps this season. He was even drafted initially as a second baseman.

There’s no need to push for an upgrade when not much of an upgrade is needed. Once Sanchez returns, that’s another right-handed bat to worry about taking his plate appearances. Maybe as a backup infielder off the bench, he can find that same magic he had last summer.

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Who’s Available?
So, what if the club is looking to improve their backup infield? Are there any notable options on the market? Truthfully, trading for a utility role-type player can be hard, mainly if they are meant to get regular playing time. Nobody is talking about trading for a utility player.

But ideally, if the Brewers are going to pick up a bat, they are going to give it a nice chunk of playing time. While nothing has been said about their trade availability, these are some options the club could consider.

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Whit Merrifield - Current Team: Free Agent
As previously mentioned, the longtime Kansas City Royal Whit Merrifield was released by the Phillies a few weeks ago. In 53 games this season, Merrifield is hitting a .199 batting average with a 63 OPS+ and a 65 wRC+. That is nowhere close to his .272/.318/.382 line last season that got him an all-star appearance. Sure, you can chalk it up to age, but that seems like a big drop-off from last season.

He's got experience playing the outfield, second base, third base, and even a couple of games at first. He’s essentially what we would expect from a utility infielder.

With a change of scenery and a smaller market, Merrifield could bounce back into the all-star player he once was for the Royals and Blue Jays. The best part about giving him a try is he would cost the Brewers any of their prospects. If it doesn’t work out, the organization could cut him, put him on revocable waivers, and let fate decide his next move.

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Ildemaro Vargas - Current Team: Washington Nationals
While the Nationals are only five games out from the third wild card spot, seven teams are still fighting for the same spot. Their young core is almost ready for a run at the playoffs, but they don’t seem there yet, so expect them to be sellers towards the deadline.

Jesse Winker, Dylan Floro, and even Lane Thomas seem like better options to sell off. But why sell a player like Ildemaro Vargas? It took stops from Arizona, Minnesota, Chicago, and Pittsburgh before Vargas found a home in Washington, DC. In 63 games, he’s hitting a .253 batting average with a .656 OPS and an 86 wRC+, making him a nice veteran who is coming off the bench. I don’t expect much power, but judging by his 10% strikeout rate and a .282/.329/,394 slash line against left-handed pitchers, he will find ways to get on base.

Vargas is under club control until 2026, so he could be helped beyond this season. However, we will have to give some sort of prospect in return. Not that it may cost a ton, but a player like infielder Jadher Areinamo or Juan Baez could make the trade work.

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Andy Ibanez - Current Team: Detroit Tigers
This is probably the best-case scenario for the Brewers to land a bat of this caliber. Detroit is 12 games out of the division but only six from the final wild-card spot, so they are in a tough spot when it comes to selling.

Andy Ibanez solves a ton of problems for the Brewers. Trouble hitting against left-handers? Ibanez is hitting a career .310 batting average and .857 OPS against southpaws. Need someone to come in clutch? How about a career .287/.345/.440 line with a 116 wRC+? Ibanez is the best answer to come off the bench.

We hear the Jack Flaherty talks and even Tarik Skubal talks if you want to get crazy, so it almost sounds like they will start selling. The Tigers already have a great farm system with prospects, some of which may be ready to come up. With Colt Keith already in the Bigs, Jace Jung coming up soon, and the Tigers selecting Bryce Rainer with the 11^th overall pick in the 2024 draft, they might have a hard time playing Ibanez even with three more seasons of club control and his ability to play everywhere on the infield and more.

With that in mind, the club might seek a decent offer. I’m not saying Cooper Pratt will be a name tossed out, but don’t be surprised if the conversation of a deal starts with Eric Bitonti or Mike Boeve. Currently, Baseball Trade Values see that as a slight overpay, but that’s what it may take for the club to give up Ibanez at this rate.

If the Brewers are going to make a move, it has to be done within the next two weeks. The Brewers will look for upgrades in the rotation, but would they add a bat to fix a minor inconvenience? One great price could be enough to make a change.

What do you think of the Monasterio situation? Should the Brewers look for a better option? What other players would you like to see wearing Brewers' colors? Let us know in the comments.

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[Branyanisthegoat]

I've been on the IKF train for quite awhile, and continue to be. He fits in with our defense focused philosophy, doesn't strike out, has hit lefties at a better than league average rate since 2022, and is as versatile as they come.

I doubt this adds much value, but he would also be our best emergency catcher. With Sanchez & WC in a lineup together, it's not impossible he is needed there.

Despite having a good year, I can't imagine a rental IKF costing much, and could be a throw into a Kikuchi deal to obfusicate the cost/return for both parties.

[Ryan Pollak]

29 minutes ago, Branyanisthegoat said:

I've been on the IKF train for quite awhile, and continue to be. He fits in with our defense focused philosophy, doesn't strike out, has hit lefties at a better than league average rate since 2022, and is as versatile as they come.

I doubt this adds much value, but he would also be our best emergency catcher. With Sanchez & WC in a lineup together, it's not impossible he is needed there.

Despite having a good year, I can't imagine a rental IKF costing much, and could be a throw into a Kikuchi deal to obfusicate the cost/return for both parties.

I would've included him if it wasn't for his current injury. Recent reports say he'll be back in mid August

[Branyanisthegoat]

Oh dang, didn't realize he's out that long. In that case, I'm hopping on the Ibanez train

[James Zumstein]

Another candidate is Paul DeJong of the White Sox.  He's only under contract through this season at $1.75 M, can play all three infield positions, and has 16 HR and a OPS+ of 92.  The White Sox just called up one infield prospect in Brooks Baldwin, and have SS of the future Colson Montgomery coming right behind him.  DeJong is not having a stellar season defensively, and has reverse splits this season and for his career, so he wouldn't help much against lefties, but he still is a proven veteran who wouldn't cost much of value to pick up.  Maybe a trade for him and Eric Fedde?

[wallus]

AM is fine. Our infielders are either young or never take a day off. I would save our resources to invest in a quality rental starting pitcher.

[ClosetBrewerFan]

I dont see a backup infielder as being a priority.  And Monasterio has a small sample size (79 AB) so far so its hard to say what he is capable of.  For example, if he goes 4-4 with a double and a HR, his OPS would jump from .571 to .684.  That would put him at the same level as last year.  He was perfectly fine as a backup / occasional starter who plays decent defense and has good speed.