The Brewers Can Still Get The Offseason’s Most Intriguing Infield Free Agent

Brewers Video

He was able to get more hits in general and seemingly pummeling the ball with more authority. 

His new and improved eyesight allowed him to make better swing decisions and, most importantly, improved his hitting against right-handed hitters, a hole in his game that he has had throughout his entire big-league career. 

He’s quite good as a defender, racking up six Defensive Runs Saved in 2024, but his greatest value is in his overall flexibility. He played 50 innings or more at six different positions (did not play catcher or right field) on the Dodgers but spent most of his time at third base. This has been the case for his entire career, and even if tasked with one primary position, he has been excellent in the infield and the outfield. Long story short, his new team should feel free to plug him in wherever and expect him to get the job done.

For the Brewers, he could be an outstanding fit for the current roster and payroll. With the departure of Willy Adames, the one clear weakness in the lineup is at third base. Joey Ortiz is the most likely candidate to move to shortstop, leaving Andruw Monasterio or short-king Caleb Durbin to man the hot corner. We more or less know what we’re getting in Monasterio, who may be a one-win player at best. In contrast, Caleb Durbin could be a total dice-toss that will, at the very least, still need some more time in the Brewers’ minor-league system before he’s fully baked and ready to hit the big leagues. 

Financially, top-dollar suitors aren’t exactly clamoring for his services. The Dodgers have expressed no interest in bringing him back, especially after they picked up utility infielder Hyeseong Kim and extended Tommy Edman. The Yankees have expressed interest, but in 2025, that means about as much as the Pirates front office saying they would like to compete in the upcoming season. Given his limited market and an inconsistent track record, Milwaukee probably wouldn’t have to break the bank to get him, at least not for a year or two. He may even want a short-term deal to get a full season of spectacled at-bats to boost his player stock before soliciting a more lucrative offer. 

The Brewers have always moved quite late in free agency and sought value for money. With their current gaps in the infield, a move to acquire Kiké Hernández could be the best of both worlds.