The slumping Milwaukee Brewers are kicking the tires on just about anyone who can jump start their second half.
According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Brewers have asked the New York Mets about free agent-to-be outfielder Curtis Granderson.
Sources: #Brewers have shown interest in #Mets’ Granderson. Talks have yet to advance.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 27, 2017
Granderson is batting just .225, but he still provides quality on-base and slugging skills (.780 OPS) at age 36. The three-time all-star averaged 26 home runs per season from 2006-16, with another 13 long balls in 2017. Only six active players have hit more homers than Granderson during that stretch.
Granderson does provide the ability to play both center field or either of the corner outfield positions. He is also a notorious righty-killer from the left side of the plate (career .854 OPS vs. right-handers).
Still, it seems like a strange fit for Milwaukee, who have hit righties well in 2017 and have too many outfielders already. The Brewers' organization is so deep at outfield that GM David Stearns just sent out intriguing Triple-A'er Ryan Cordell for a relief pitcher who is a free agent this winter because Cordell was blocked by about seven players.
At the major-league level, Brewers veteran Ryan Braun is entrenched in left field, alongside young guns Lewis Brinson and Domingo Santana. Brinson, the team's top prospect, launched home runs in each of his first two games since his recall. Santana is slashing .289/.378/.494 in one of the MLB's biggest breakout seasons this year. There is not much room for Granderson, even as a spot starter.
The Brewers are in desperate need of a spark though. Since the All-Star break, Milwaukee ranks 23rd in runs scored and 27th in ERA, which culminated in Thursday's 15-2 drubbing in D.C.
The Brewers held a 5.5-game lead in the NL Central on the morning of July 16. Thirteen days later, Milwaukee has lost nine of 11 contests and trails Chicago by 1.5 games. The Brewers begin a crucial three-game series with the Cubs on Friday night at Miller Park.
