What We Learned: Rebuilding means spending less money

Brewers News & Notes

• One of the side effects of a complete rebuild tends to be a reduced payroll. With most players of value gone and free agent signings expected to be minimal, Derek notes that the Brewers payroll for 2016 could end up being the lowest Opening Day payroll in the majors.
• The Nationals are currently looking for a second baseman for next season, and prefer to find a left-handed hitter to fill the role. Kyle wonders if the Brewers could match up with the Nationals in a trade of Scooter Gennett.
• Meanwhile, the Brewers are still searching for their first baseman of the future, and they are keeping as many options open as they can. One name mentioned is Daniel Nava, and Derek has a profile of the free agent first baseman.
• The Brewers have accumulated depth at several positions that could allow them to make some additional trades prior to next season. J.P. Breen of BP Milwaukee looks at the depth chart at several positions and what flexibility it gives the Brewers in trades.
• Adam McCalvy reports that the Brewers have signed three players to minor-league contracts with invites to spring training: first baseman Jake Elmore, outfielder Alex Presley, and pitcher Daniel Tillman.
• Hank the Ballpark Pup has been making another set of appearances this offseason, and he's scheduled to take his talents to the basketball court for a night. Hank will serve as honorary mascot during a Harlem Globetrotters game in Milwaukee on New Year's Eve.

Around Baseball

• Pete Rose will remain banned from baseball after commissioner Rob Manfred decided to keep Rose's lifetime ban in place.
• The Braves signed RHP Jhoulys Chacin to a minor-league contract.
• The Cubs signed RHP Jean Machie to a minor-league contract.
• The Giants signed RHP Johnny Cueto to a six-year, $130 million contract.
• The Mariners designated RHP Rob Rasmussen for assignment.
• The Orioles designated infielder Rey Navarro for assignment.
• The Rays signed LHP Dana Eveland to a minor-league contract.