David Stearns is at it again, making his ninth trade since becoming the Milwaukee Brewers’ general manager.
Late Friday afternoon, the Brewers traded outfielder Khris Davis to the Oakland Athletics for catcher Jacob Nottingham and right-handed pitcher Bubba Derby.
In two and a half seasons, Davis hit 60 home runs and drove in 162 runs. The Brewers will miss his power, but they will not miss his low on-base percentage and poor throwing arm. His departure opens up left field for Domingo Santana, while center field remains in question heading into spring training.
Nottingham, 20, is one of the top-rated catchers in the minor leagues. He offers the Brewers a catcher of the future with Jonathan Lucroy likely being traded by the Trade Deadline. He was a member of the Houston Astros’ farm system as recently as last season, where Stearns was the assistant GM, before being traded to Oakland for Scott Kazmir at the trade deadline.
Derby, 21, went to San Diego State and started his minor league career last season, pitching in 14 games with a 1.69 ERA.