3 Moves Brewers Can Make to Guarantee a Playoff Spot in Shortened MLB Season

The Milwaukee Brewers might not be the deepest team in the MLB, but they have enough pieces to make a run at the NL Central crown given Christian Yelich's ability to anchor the lineup and Josh Hader's unhittable smoke out of the bullpen. In a shortened season, which is assuredly going to happen if the MLB and owners can strike up a deal, Milwaukee's chances of winning the NL Central could be decided by a handful of moves, as these three decisions could be the difference between first and fourth place.

3. Move Keston Hiura to Leadoff Spot

Milwaukee Brewers infielder Keston Hiura / Norm Hall/Getty Images

All Hiura, a former No. 9 overall pick, did in the minor leagues was rake, and he continued to do so during his 84-game stint with the Brewers in 2019. Hiura hit .303 with 23 doubles, 19 home runs, 49 RBI, and a 138 OPS+ as a rookie. Now fully entrenched as the starting second baseman, Hiura's surprising pop and ability to get on base make him an ideal leadoff guy that could kick the whole Brewers lineup into overdrive, whether it be for 82 games or 50.

2. Get Ethan Small to the Majors as a Reliever

Milwaukee Brewers lefty Ethan Small / Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

Small is the No. 2 prospect in the organization, and it doesn't take an expert to see why. Even after Tommy John Surgery, Small has pinpoint control over his low 90s fastball with some late run on it, and he has managed to pair that with a tremendous curveball and a solid changeup, both of which are solid strikeout pitches. Small's future might be in the rotation, but the Brewers might have more use for him this season as a reliever, as he can take some pressure off of Hader in a speed run to the finish.

1. Get a Power-Hitting Infielder Like Marcus Semien Via Trade

Oakland Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Yelich is amazing, and Hiura is a very promising prospect, but the Brewers have one of the most top-heavy lineups in the league. After losing Eric Thames and Mike Moustakas in the same offseason, a new bopper in the lineup is needed. Oakland Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien, on the verge of free agency in 2020, could be a potential target for Milwaukee, as the 2019 AL MVP bronze medalist could give the Brewers a middle of the lineup basher provided they part with some top prospects.