Brewers sign IF/OF Brian Anderson; 1-year deal reportedly worth $3.5M
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 08: Brian Anderson #15 of the Miami Marlins throws the ball to first base against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 8, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 6-5.
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers have signed a deal with free-agent infielder/outfielder Brian Anderson, according to MLB on FOX reporter Ken Rosenthal.
The one-year deal is worth a reported $3.5 million – pending a physical.
A person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been announced.
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The person said Anderson could earn an additional $2 million in performance bonuses. The Athletic first reported Anderson had reached a deal with the Brewers. Sportsgrid first reported the terms.
Anderson finished fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2018 and had an OPS of over .800 in 2019 and 2020, but he’s struggled at the plate while dealing with injuries the last two seasons. The Marlins opted against tendering Anderson a contract for the 2023 season, making him a free agent.
He batted .222 with eight homers and 28 RBIs in 98 games last season while posting a .311 on-base percentage and .346 slugging percentage. That followed a 2021 season in which Anderson hit .249 with seven homers, 28 RBIs, a .337 on-base percentage and .378 slugging percentage in 67 games.
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Anderson, who turns 30 on May 19, has a career average of .256 with 57 homers, 233 RBIs, a .341 on-base percentage and a .410 slugging percentage. All of his major-league experience has come with the Marlins.
His ability to play multiple positions should give Brewers manager Craig Counsell more flexibility in putting together lineups.
Jace Peterson, Luis Urías and Mike Brosseau shared time at third base for the Brewers last season, but Peterson has since signed with the Oakland Athletics and the versatile Urías could play second base more often this year following the trade of Kolten Wong to the Seattle Mariners. Wong was the Brewers’ starting second baseman the last two years.
Owen Miller, acquired from the Cleveland Guardians in the offseason, also has experience at third but has played first or second more often.
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The Brewers’ primary right fielder last season was Hunter Renfroe, who has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels. The Brewers acquired another corner outfielder when they got Jesse Winker in the Wong trade. They also have outfield prospects Sal Frelick and Joey Wiemer on the cusp of the majors.
Associated Press contributed to this report.