The Milwaukee Brewers have made a significant move in response to their offseason trade that saw starting third baseman Caleb Durbin depart for the Boston Red Sox alongside two other infielders. In exchange, the Brewers welcomed Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton, and Shane Drohan to their roster. The decision to trade Durbin raised eyebrows, particularly given the Brewers’ lack of depth in the infield, leaving fans concerned about the team’s future lineup.
The franchise appears poised to address this gap by potentially starting Hamilton, who struggled last season with a subpar batting average of under .200, raising doubts about his fit within the Brewers’ typically robust offensive framework. Alternatively, the team might consider promoting top infield prospect Jett Williams to fill Durbin’s role.
In a promising development, the Brewers have recently signed Los Angeles Angels free agent infielder Luis Rengifo to a one-year contract, a move that many fans have been eagerly anticipating. Rengifo, 28, has shown his mettle over the past seven seasons with the Angels, amassing 6.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) during that time. His batting skills hint at an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of around .750 or higher at his peak, alongside his speed on the bases, having stolen double-digit bases in consecutive seasons.
What sets Rengifo apart is his impressive defensive versatility, having played multiple positions including third base, second base, and even spending time as a designated hitter and in the outfield throughout his career. Last season, he demonstrated his capability by starting 63 games at third base and another 68 at second.
It’s expected that Rengifo could serve as a platoon option alongside Hamilton at third base, particularly if he can find his rhythm at the plate. However, should Williams burst onto the scene during spring training or the regular season, the Brewers’ plans may shift.
This acquisition of Rengifo not only solidifies the Brewers’ infield depth but also brings a player’s experience that could enhance both their lineup and overall team dynamics as they look forward to a competitive season ahead.