:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58459543/usa_today_10310635.0.jpg)
After signing Lorenzo Cain and acquiring Christian Yelich to boost their outfield, the Brewers are looking to trade young outfielders Domingo Santana and Brett Phillips for a starting pitcher, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Milwaukee is doing this out of nexessity because it has seven outfielders battling for three spots. Along with Cain, Yelich, Santana and Phillips, the Brewers also have Ryan Braun, Keon Broxton and Hernan Perez on the roster.
The Brewers had received interest from clubs on their other outfielders previously, but it is unlikely they can move Braun because he has a full no-trade clause and will only approve a trade to the Dodgers, who also have a full outfield.
The Braun situation and the two acquisitions make Santana and Phillips the logical trade candidates. Santana drew interest from the Giants earlier in the offseason, but they have since acquired Andrew McCutchen and Austin Jackson to shore up their outfield.
The 25-year-old Santana is coming off a great 2017 campaign — his third season with the Brewers and fourth year in the big leagues overall. Two years after being traded from the Astros as part of a deal in which the Brewers sent Carlos Gomez, the right fielder blasted 30 home runs and knocked in 85 runs while slashing .278/.371/.505 in 151 games.
Along with his youth and production last year, Santana is under control for four years. He is eligible for arbitration in 2019 and a free agent in 2022.
Phillips played in 31 games for the Brewers last year after being called up by the club in June. The 23-year-old outfielder hit .276 and had an OPS of .799 in 87 at-bats, but played exceptionally well defensively in the field.
Phillips is also under control for thr next six years. He is eligible for arbitration in 2021 and a free agent in 2024.
The Brewers have been looking to bolster their starting pitching all offseason. So far, they signed Jhoulys Chacin and Yovani Gallardo in December. They have also made an offer to top free agent Yu Darvish.