MILWAUKEE _ The Milwaukee Brewers have traded a handful of top prospects for Miami outfielder Christian Yelich.
The Brewers gave up minor-league outfielder Lewis Brinson, second baseman Isan Diaz, outfielder Monte Harrison and right-handed pitcher Jordan Yamamoto.
Yelich made it clear he would like to be traded after Miami's new management, led by Derek Jeter, began stripping the payroll by trading outfielders Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna and second baseman Dee Gordon. They would be slashing more money if they dealt Yelich, who has four years remaining on a seven-year, $49.57 million extension that also includes a $15 million team option for 2022. Yelich has a $7 million salary for 2018.
Yelich, 26, a left-handed hitter, has evolved into a multi-dimensional threat in recent seasons. Last year, he batted .282 with 18 homers, 81 RBIs, 16 stolen bases and .807 OPS in 156 games for the Marlins. After playing left field earlier in his career, he played in center in 2017.
In 643 games with Miami, Yelich has batted .290 with a .369 OBP, 59 homers, 293 RBIs and 72 steals.
