Khris Davis UPI/Bill Greenblatt
The Milwaukee Brewers continue their rebuild by sending another veteran packing for prospects. The latest to change addresses on Friday is starting leftfielder Khris Davis. He was sent to the Oakland A’s for a couple of prospects, catcher Jacob Nottingham and right-handed pitcher Bubba Derby.
The move clears left field for Domingo Santana, a young budding prospect acquired by the Brewers last season in a trade with the Houston Astros. In 38 games last season, Santana saw his average fade to .231 with six homers and 18 RBI. But he is still considered a solid corner outfielder with a strong arm.
Nottingham gives the Brewers a solid catching prospect in their system, something they had lacked previously. Top catcher Jonathan Lucroy will likely be traded at some point this season if not sooner.
Davis hit 27 home runs for the Brewers last season, but he was a liability in left field, mostly because of his poor arm strength.
The Brewers also signed right-handed reliever Blaine Boyer to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league camp. Boyer made 68 appearances in relief for Minnesota in 2015. He finished with a 3-6 record and a 2.49 ERA.