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In the midst of a disappointing 2015 season, it appears the Milwaukee Brewers are ready to commit to a partial rebuilding effort. To speed up that effort, they should pursue these five players, who will be free agents this winter. Every one of them could help accentuate the surge of young talent the team hopes to bring up through the minor leagues.
5. SP Mat Latos
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA Today SportsLatos has struggled this season, even after improving as of late, and that will hurt his value this offseason. Teams will still be willing to take a chance on him, though, and the Brewers are in a unique position in regards to pursuing him. Knowing they likely won't compete in 2016, they can afford to take a chance on him on a multi-year deal, hoping it will help them in the future. Contenders may not be willing to rely on him in their rotation after his 2015 campaign.
4. RP Antonio Bastardo
Getty ImagesBastardo is one of the most under-appreciated lefties relievers in the game and the Brewers would do well to lock him up in their bullpen. A good bullpen can go a long way, especially with a young team, so getting the lefty would be huge. Certainly, he would make the rest of the bullpen's job much easier.
3. IF/OF Emilio Bonifacio
Jake Roth, USA Today SportsBonifacio has been a journeyman utility man to this point in his career, but perhaps he could find a permanent home in Milwaukee. He's the type of guy that can spark an offense when he's hot and he can also play nearly every position in the field. With several unproven young players coming up, he would provide a calming force and a capable glove at a number of positions.
2. IF Sean Rodriguez
Getty ImagesWhile being pushed into starting duty for the Pirates this season, Sean Rodriguez has shown he's more valuable than was once thought. He can play every infield position, which is very handy for a young team. Nobody expects him to knock the cover off the ball, but at age 30, he could still grow as an offensive threat. Milwaukee should take the chance that his ascension takes place while in a Brewers uniform.
1. SP Mike Leake
Robert Mayer, USA Today SportsFor any team hoping to rebuild, a top pitcher needs to be high on the priority list. Leake isn't an ace, but if they can lock him up on a long-term contract, it would improve their pitching instantly and give them depth down the road when they're looking to sign other top-of-the-rotation pitchers. It remains to be seen whether or not Leake would want to sign on to be part of a rebuilding project, but if the money is right, one would think he'd consider it.
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