Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Scooter Gennett claimed by Cincinnati Reds

With five days left until Opening Day, the Brewers still have to get their roster set for the regular season. One more spot is now open, and it’s a surprising one. This morning, the Brewers announced that second baseman Scooter Gennett has been claimed off of waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.

This move comes as a complete surprise. There had been no hints that Gennett was at risk of losing his spot on the 40 man roster. With an option left, it was more likely that Gennett would have started the season in Triple-A if he didn’t make the roster out of spring training. Instead, they chose to place him on waivers, and he was claimed by the Reds (one of the top teams in the waiver priority, as well).

Adam McCalvy spoke with GM David Stearns about the move, and he said that the Brewers didn’t see a fit with Gennett on the team anymore. The Brewers did try to trade Gennett, but didn’t get a deal from anyone. In addition, even though he could have been sent to the minors, Stearns didn’t see playing time for Gennett, even in the long-term. By being claimed off of waivers, the Brewers at least get some salary relief, as the Reds are now on the hook for the full $2.5 million that Gennett is owed this season.

This also means that a 40-man spot is now open on the roster. That likely means one of the non-roster invitees has won a spot, and the Brewers are clearing a space for him. We will have to wait and see who will get that newly cleared spot.