The Mets sent pitchers Bobby Wahl and Adam Hill, along with infielder Felix Valerio to the Brewers for outfielder Keon Broxton.
In 2017, Broxton hit 20 HR for Milwaukee but he was unable to follow that up with a strong season in 2018, as he split time between the majors and minors. Broxton also has two 20-steal seasons in the majors under his belt and is a capable defender in center field.
Wahl was acquired from the A’s last season and pitched briefly out of the pen for the Mets. His calling card was a big fastball but he allowed six runs in 5.1 IP. Hill was the Mets’ fourth-round pick last year out of the University of South Carolina. He fanned 26 batters in 15.1 IP for the Brooklyn Cyclones but allowed seven runs in that stretch. Valerio had a big season in the Dominican Summer League, as he hit .390 with 11 extra-base hits in 122 PA as a 17 year old.
Seems neither Wall nor Hill will have much of an impact in the majors. Valerio is so far away – the perfect definition of a lottery ticket. He’s a 5’7 second baseman. Generally that would be a profile that might scare people away. But who knows – you can dream and call him the next Jose Altuve.
Broxton gives the Mets a quality reserve outfielder. It’ll be better to see him than, say, Kevin Kaczmarski like we did last year. It doesn’t preclude the team from getting a name outfielder and he gives them a reasonable alternative to Juan Lagares, should Lagares end up hurt again or traded.
Good trade, but I hope for more. Would be happy with the additional bullpen help.
He should be ok as a fifth outfielder, decent defense (positive RF numbers) and he’ll be a good option as a pinch runner. His BA is low and he strikes out a lot but as noted in the article he does have some power at the plate.
Guess I was on to something with my post yesterday. After adding Yellich and Cain to Braun, Gamel and Broxton, plus a couple of up and coming kids, the Brewers had an outfielder to spare and could use some minor league depth. I like Bobby Wahl, but a) the Mets have 12 of him and b) unless he can develop a quality secondary pitch to match his fastball he’ll forever be a AAA closer.
Broxton was expected to be a fixture for the Brewers but there’s simply no place for him to play now. At a minimum this is a great insurance/depth pick up, but it could turn out to be a steal.
Agree 100%.
I was thinking of that Matt. You were right. Granted, he’s not a big name, but it’s a need.
Sonic like the trade he does not hit for average and strikeout to muchv
Dont be surprised to see Lagares get traded soon.
Hey,the guy is supposed to be a very good,OFer,in the Lagares class.
Maybe this is a precursor to a Lego trade? Brockton has some ability and he’s cheap …./. He’s a 5th of right now…. Mets don’t have a 4th unless they just hand it to Lego
Editor’s Note – Quit pushing
Lagares hasn’t hit,is always injured and makes 9 million. Not too many teams would take that contract if offered to them free. Maybe my bad contract for yours? But you know what, I’d gamble that he is healthy,hits a little and does a decent job for them.
Brian…: I do not understand your editior’s note “quit pushing”….What does that mean ?
I am not elated by this trade because it doesn’t adequately address the team’s real needs. IMO, we still need a CF who can carry his weight offensively. I guess if Broxton can replicate his 20-20 year of 2017 he would be acceptable, but even in a good year like that he struck out in 38% of his PAs. Maybe the Mets brain trust believes that he is coachable, and he can significantly cut down on his K rate and convert those ABs to getting on base, raising his OBP to around .350. That would be acceptable.
Of course there are positives to Broxton. He has 4 years of team control, and being pre-arb, he is cheap. He is a positive in the field and on the basepaths. And the Mets gave up very little to acquire him. But perhaps the most significant benefit is that he makes Lagares expendable. The hurdle is finding someone to take him without including too much cash. I hope BVW is a good chess player and is looking several moves ahead.
After seeing what Broxton earns compared to Lagares, I am convinced that Lagares will be gone within two weeks.
Lefties have a difficult time with him. That’s a positive. Although, He strikes out at astronomical levels. He can hoof it apparently . Excellent in Center, but seems like Lagares v2.0. Could be a decent lead off hitter with stolen base chops. Not a terrible trade, yet not a world beater either. Maybe he can discover better contact skills, he appears to have a decent eye, despite the whiffs!
Sometimes these small trades are difference makers as the talent acquired either puts it all together someday and is a good piece. Maybe not a superstar, but a good piece. If he fails, what did you really lose? I love these trades and wished Alderson made some like this as Epstein frequently did. I’ve been roasted over wanting to buy low on talented players, but that’s how you win. Gregorius was offered to 29 teams by the D-Backs and wanted Niese for him but we said no because we wanted Owings.
Nice little move, but back to business. I’d like this move to be a depth move, but I’d still like to see an offensive utility guy like Solarte or Flores and two relievers.
Eliminating “Ifs”….. the Mets now have two 5th outfielders—- Lagares and Broxton. Either or both could blossom and become a real rotational player.
Juan has ED player talent…still needs to learn the strike zone. Broxton Looks like Tarzan—K’s like Jane.
I’d have liked to see Gonzalez and maybe Pollack,,,as is, I’d hope for Marwin—mayhe he’s holding out for someone to give him a starter’s guarantee? He would get 500 or so PA’s on this team, and it would be a strong impact
The title says it all, the Mets added depth to their outfield. Lagares is an excellent center fielder (avg 26 Rds/yr) but struggles get to a .700 OPS. He is also fragile.
Broxton is a good defense center fielder (avg Rdr/yr 9) and he has more power than Lagares (.421 to .367 career SLG) and more stolen base in less time than Lagares. If Lagares could duplicate is 2014 season with a near 5.3 bWAR then there wouldn’t be this discussion. Broxton may be the better player right now therefore he is an improvement to the roster. Lagares and Broxton are not the solution though. I’m hoping for a January Sale for Pollock.(his present demands are not reasonable).