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Was Thursday the single biggest day in the history of the Brewers in terms of the offseason? There’s a strong chance it is, though there are a few contenders for that title. One of the biggest contenders is the trade for Zack Greinkie, which was also just as momentous for the Brewers. The funny thing about both of those days is that both included the same player: Lorenzo Cain.
It all started late Thursday afternoon into Thursday night, when the first reports came in: The Brewers had made a trade with the Marlins and acquired Christian Yelich. The prospect deal came in soon after: Lewis Brinson, Monte Harrison, Isan Diaz, and Jordan Yamamoto. It is a massive trade, but the player coming back was massive as well. Not only has Yelich been a consistent 4.5 fWAR player, he’s also under control for up to five years.
That move, by itself, would have put this up there as one of the biggest days in Brewers offseason history. However, they were not done. Within the next few hours, another piece of news came out: The Brewers had signed Lorenzo Cain to a five-year contract. It is the biggest deal for a free agent in Brewers history, worth $80 million. Not only that, but it is the biggest free agent contract for any team so far this offseason. That’s something that has never been said about a Brewers signing before (and may never be said again).
There’s still questions looming after these moves. How will the playing time break down? Will the Brewers address other positions? Is another trade in the works? All of these will have to be answered in the coming weeks leading up to the season. For now, though, we can just spend some time enjoying what was an amazing day.
Brewers Transactions and Analysis
Milwaukee Brewers have made a trade offer to Marlins for Christian Yelich
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB
Milwaukee Brewers acquire Christian Yelich for four prospects, including Brinson and Harrison
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB
Milwaukee Brewers to sign Lorenzo Cain, per report
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB
Milwaukee Brewers announce Lorenzo Cain signing, officially release Wei-Chung Wang
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB
Wei-Chung Wang gets $900K deal from NC Dinos
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB FanShot
Zach Davies broke his phone when he found out about Christian Yelich
-JP-, BCB FanShot
What to expect from Lorenzo Cain
eddiemathews, BCB
Trade Analysis: Buying Christian Yelich is a way to focus on the present and future simultaneously
-JP-, BCB
Brewers Rumors
Milwaukee Brewers reportedly shopping Domingo Santana, Brett Phillips; have shown “some interest” in Danny Salazar
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB
Milwaukee Brewers have had “extensive talks” with Arizona about Patrick Corbin, per report
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB
Brewers On Deck Notes
Brewers reportedly considering using Ryan Braun part-time at first base
Jaymes L, BCB
Brewers On Deck notes: Ryan Braun willing to try first base, and maybe second base too
-JP-, BCB
Brewers On Deck Notes: Jimmy Nelson could return around June
-JP-, BCB
Brewers On Deck notes: Attanasio says there’s still room on the payroll for a starting pitcher
Jaymes L, BCB
Other News and Notes
Celebrate the end of the Milwaukee Brewers rebuild with Brew Crew Ball and Breaking T!
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB
Confidence has increased in the Milwaukee Brewers’ ownership
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB
Brewers reportedly drop Klement’s as Racing Sausages sponsor
Jaymes L, BCB
Johnsonville becomes official sausage of Milwaukee Brewers
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB FanShot
Former Brewer Trevor Hoffman Elected to Hall of Fame
eddiemathews, BCB
Minor League Notes
ESPN’s Keith Law puts six Milwaukee Brewers on his top-100 prospect list
Brad Ford, BCB
Three Milwaukee Brewers prospects make the MLB Pipeline Top-100
Brad Ford, BCB
Brew Crew Ball Community Top Prospects Vote #17
Brew Crew Ball Community Top Prospects Vote #18
Brew Crew Ball Community Top Prospects Vote #19
Kyle Lesniewski, BCB
BCB FanPosts
Instapoll: How do you feel about the recent acquisitions?
roguejim, BCB FanPost
The next 48 hours
CatchTheFever, BCB FanPost
Makin’ Moves
ChildishGlembino, BCB FanPost
Minor League Outfield Depth
icelandreliant, BCB FanPost
We will take a look at the reaction from around the web in tomorrow’s edition.