After trading Adam Lind to Seattle a week ago, the Milwaukee Brewers sent their other first baseman, Jason Rogers to Pittsburgh on Thursday, getting a pair of minor-league prospects, outfielder Keon Broxton and right-hander Trey Supak.
Sending both first basemen elsewhere left the Brewers with a gaping hole at first base but General Manager David Stearns said the return from the Pirates was too enticing to turn down.
Broxton gives the Brewers increased depth in the outfield and has a chance to play center field. Stearns said Broxton will come to camp and compete for the job after spending last season in the Pirates organization, split between Class AA Altoona and Class AAA Indianapolis. He hit .273 with 10 home runs, 68 RBI and 39 stolen bases in 133 games.
Entering the 2015 season, Broxton was rated by Baseball America as the best defensive outfielder in Pittsburgh’s system.
Supac is just 19-year-old and was taken in the Competitive Balance Round B of the 2014 draft as a prep pitcher in La Grange, Texas. He was ranked as the number-15 prospect in the Pirates’ system.
Rodgers hit .296 with four homers and 16 RBI in 86 games with the Brewers last season.
The Brewers are now looking for a first baseman and are exploring trades or possible free agency.