MLB Trade Rumors 2019: Top 25 assets

15. Keston Hiura

The Milwaukee Brewers find themselves atop the NL Central and on track to return to the postseason for the second straight year. The Brew Crew has completely exited their rebuilding phase and have one of the most explosive lineups in the National League. Their starting rotation and bullpen (aside from the brilliant Josh Hader), have been very inconsistent and will determine whether or not this squad can break through the NLCS and onto the World Series.

The Brewers have exhausted most of their high-end talent in the Minor Leagues, but second baseman Keston Hiura could fetch them the ace they need to put themselves over the top. The 22-year-old was tearing it up during his brief call-up last month, but was optioned because the Brewers don’t have room for him in their starting lineup right now.

Hiura hit .281/.333/.531 with five home runs and nine RBI in 17 games. He projects as a true middle-of-the-order threat at second base and will hit for a high average with power. His bat is a rare commodity at a defense-first position.

There’s an argument to be made that Hiura should already be a permanent fixture in the Brewers lineup instead of struggling Travis Shaw, and that may eventually play itself out if Shaw does not pick it up. Milwaukee’s rotation is doing just enough to keep them at the top of the standings right now, but they are an injury or a Zach Davies regression away from having to seriously consider making an aggressive trade to acquire a frontline arm.