MVBrewers #7: Gerardo Parra

The Brewers acquired Gerardo Parra on July 31st, 2014 to help solidify their bench as they fought for a playoff berth. We all know how that run ended, but Parra himself was a decent contributor down the stretch: he posted a .708 OPS in 46 games for Milwaukee and came a reputation for excellent defense as a former Gold Glove winner (though the numbers don't necessarily support that anymore). There was a heavy amount of support over the sports radio waves for the left-handed hitting Parra to receive an increased role in the 2015 outfield picture.

Injuries forced Parra into everyday action early on this season, and the 28 year old responded with perhaps the strongest four-month stretch of baseball in his career. He started out a little slowly but saved his most outstanding work for the right time, turning in a .435/.495/.718 slash and four home runs in July, good enough for a ridiculous 226 wRC+.

Parra was certainly the team's best offensive player overall during his time with the Brewers, posting an overall .328/.369/.517 line in 351 plate appearances. He slugged 24 doubles, five triples, and nine home runs with a career-high .189 isolated power mark. He added nine stolen bases and his offense was valued at 37% better than league average according to his 137 wRC+ mark. His strong performance had sustainability questions, though, due to a .372 BABIP. Defensive ratings were also down on his work in the outfield, as evidenced by a -1.5 Fielding Runs Above Average mark and a -3 defensive runs saved mark. Still, during his time with the Brewers Parra was valued at 2.3 Wins Above Replacement Player by Baseball Prospectus, 2.1 rWAR, and 1.2 fWAR.

A free agent at season's end, the Brewers made the wise move by trading Parra one calendar year after they acquired him, sending him to Baltimore on July 31st in exchange for right-hander Zach Davies. Parra's performance predictably regressed in Baltimore, and he managed just a .237/.268/.357 line in 55 games as the Orioles missed the playoffs. He had probably lined himself up for something comparable to the 4 year/$44 mil deal that Nick Markakis signed last winter, but his poor finish will no doubt cost him some coin during his first spin through free agency (though it's been rumored the O's might try and bring him back) .

Zach Davies, meanwhile, won the Brewers' pitcher of the month after a stellar six game cameo in Sept/Oct that saw him post a 3.71 ERA/3.31 DRA in 34.0 innings. He looks to have the inside track on the fifth starter spot in next season's rotation and comes with an additional six years of club control. That return adds even more value to the performance Parra put together in Milwaukee this year, and he was voted by you all as the seventh most valuable Brewer.