MLB Trade Rumors 2016: Khris Davis Goes to Athletics in Trade with the Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers once again showed that they are bent on rebuilding the team after trading outfielder and power-hitter Khris Davis to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for two prospects in right-hander Bubba Derby and catcher Jacob Nottingham.
The deal was reportedly consummated on Friday, with both teams appearing to have gained positives in the exchange. Davis will be joining a team that needs his offensive abilities, and with 27 homers last season, he sure can provide scoring opportunities. He batted .247, along with 66 RBIs last season, doing it in 121 games.
When general manager David Stearns took over late last year, Milwaukee decided to rebuild by acquiring young players and letting go of the veterans, particularly shortstop Jean Segura and relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez. The addition of Nottingham and Derby proves that the Brewers are focused on the future.
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The 21-year-old Nottingham managed to hit a decent .316 last season, highlighted by 17 home runs and 82 RBIs in Class A. He actually was an integral part of a midseason deal that sent Scott Kazmir to the Astros. The 21-year-old Derby, on the other hand, played in both rookie and Class A last season and was 1-1 with a 1.21 ERA, playing for 14 games.
This trade epitomizes the concept of a massive rebuilding process that teams undergo at least once in years. The idea is to gather a bunch of young prospects that are considered to be more manageable compared to veterans. Young players also are going to be paid less, suggesting that MLB clubs can afford to focus on developing them instead of winning games.
Meanwhile, the departure of Davis also means that Domingo Santana is expected to man the left field for the Brewers. He played in 38 games last season but was not really that effective, owing to the fact that he was part of the midseason trade with Houston, which means he needed time to adjust. So this season will be a coming-out party for him.
