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After a 68-94 campaign in 2015, the Milwaukee Brewers are heading into rebuilding mode with new general manager David Stearns leading that effort.
If only for the possibility of becoming a viable trade chip, here are five Brewers who must stay healthy in 2016.
5. LF Khris Davis
Credit: Justin K. Aller - Getty Images5. LF Khris Davis
After a good 2015 season (27 home runs), Davis is in the middle ground of possibly being a future cornerstone at 28 years old and being an attractive trade chip. Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports has reported the latter being the likely course of action for the Brewers before July's trade deadline, but either way Davis has to stay healthy.
4. IF Aaron Hill
Credit: Christian Petersen - Getty Images4. IF Aaron Hill
Hill was recently acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in the deal that sent shortstop Jean Segura to Arizona, but he'll turn 34 in March and is entering the final year of his contract. The Brewers may hand Hill their starting job at third base right out of spring training, with the hope he is healthy and productive enough to appeal to a contending team when the trade deadline nears.
3. SP Matt Garza
Credit: Getty Images3. SP Matt Garza
Garza had a bad 2015 season (5.63 ERA over 26 games -- 25 starts), and he was shut down in early September after refusing to pitch out of the bullpen. A $12.5 million salary in each of the next two seasons hurts his trade value, but if Garza starts the season strongly a pitching-needy playoff contender could take him off Milwaukee's hands.
2. OF Ryan Braun
Credit: Mike McGinnis - Getty Images2. OF Ryan Braun
Braun had a solid season in 2015, hitting .285 with 25 home runs, 84 RBI and 24 stolen bases, but he won't be 100 percent for the start of spring training after October back surgery, and his status for Opening Day has to be a question right now. Injuries have become an increasing issue for Braun in recent years, but he needs to be healthy in 2016 for the Brewers to have any hope of unloading his bloated contract.
1. C Jonathan Lucroy
Credit: Getty Images1. C Jonathan Lucroy
Lucroy stands out as the veteran player the Brewers can trade for the best return, and multiple teams have reportedly had interest this offseason. Hamstring, toe and concussion issues limited Lucroy in 2015, and the Brewers need him to have a healthy bounce-back season from the start in 2016.
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