Brewers rumors: 3 assets Milwaukee can trade for Nelson Cruz

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MAY 07: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Washington Nationals. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MAY 07: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Washington Nationals. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Timber Rattlers infielder Felix Valerio (2) slides safely.
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers infielder Felix Valerio (2) slides safely.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinApc Trats Vs Beloit Frelick 5800 093121wag /

2. Brewers could trade Felix Valerio to the Nationals for Nelson Cruz

While Brice Turang might be the more major league-ready infielder in the Milwaukee Brewers minor leagues, Felix Valerio might offer more upside. MLB Pipeline sees Valerio as the No. 11-rated prospect in the Brewers farm system, but there’s a lot to like about the 21-year-old.

Valerio isn’t the biggest player, standing just 5-foot-7, but he still maintains solid power and his OPS is regularly around .800. Currently playing for Milwaukee’s Double-A affiliate, the Biloxi Shuckers, Valerio continues to show good plate discipline.

The Brewers have yet to find a permanent defensive home for Valerio, but his bat demands that the Dominican native find a regular spot in the lineup. Valerio has the ability to play multiple infield positions, but is likely ticketed for second base.

If the Milwaukee Brewers want to land an impact bat like Nelson Cruz, it’s not going to come cheap. Felix Valerio is likely at least one, if not two, years away from competing in the big leagues. Milwaukee’s window is open now, and the Brewers should be willing to move on from lower-level prospects if it means improving their odds of winning in 2022.