In the end, the Milwaukee Brewers offer to retain free agent first baseman Corey Hart didn’t stand up to the offer he eventually accepted in
Corey Hart
Seattle with the Mariners.
Hart gets a one-year deal with the Mariners worth a guaranteed $6-million with incentives that could push the deal to $13-million. That’s twice as much as the deal offered by the Milwaukee Brewers, which the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported to be $4-million with another $2.5-million in incentives.
Hart missed the entire 2013 season after knee surgery on both knees. He made $10-million last season.
Hart’s departure leaves the Brewers with a void at first base. It this time, James Loney appears to be the top free agent after playing for Tampa Bay last season. But Loney may be too expensive for the Brewers. A trade is another option, but GM Doug Melvin may be reluctant to part with some of the Brewers young pitching. But Melvin said he would explore both options.
Coming off of double knee surgery, it’s a good opportunity for Hart to not have to play defense everyday, instead being able to take advantage of the designated hitter in the American League.
In eight-plus seasons with the Brewers, Hart hit .276 with 154 home runs and 508 rbi’s in 945 games. He was a National League all-star twice (2008 & 2010).