Milwaukee Brewers fans react to Keston Hiura being told that he won’t make the team: "Needs a change of scenery" "Hope he catches on somewhere"
The Milwaukee Brewers have told former first-round pick and top prospect Keston Hiura that he will not be making the team this season out of spring training. Hiura, taken by the Brewers with the No. 9 overall pick in 2017, never really found a stable home after four seasons in Milwaukee.
With Hiura out of minor league options, the Brewers will now attempt to trade the 26-year-old second baseman. Milwaukee general manager Matt Arnold told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
"We’d love for him to have an opportunity in the big leagues if it’s not with us because he’s earned that. He’s been a great Brewer and a great guy. He’s just awesome. Tough conversation.”
Non-roster invitee Tyler Naquin, an outfielder, was also told that he has not made the team.
The Brewers have informed out-of-options Keston Hiura and nonroster OF Tyler Naquin that they won’t make the team.
Milwaukee Brewers fans have been torn about Hiura since he made his major league debut in 2019. He's had big moments for the team, but has lacked the consistency to be an everyday player for the National League Central club.
His glowing personality made him a lot of fans in the Cream City, however, and many fans expressed sadness over the move and best wishes for his future.
@AdamMcCalvy This really sucks for Keston. Good kid, so much talent, but it always came in spurts. Never consistent. Hope he catches on somewhere!!
@AdamMcCalvy https://t.co/RWpbDa5G54
@AdamMcCalvy Keston definitely needs a change of scenery where he can play every day.. He did not get that opportunity in Milwaukee
The writing had been on the wall for Hiura, who played just 141 games for the Milwaukee Brewers over the past two seasons. In his four-year career, he is hitting just .238 with 50 home runs and 132 RBIs. It's a far cry from what Brewers fans thought they were getting when Hiura debuted by batting .303 with 19 home runs over 84 games in 2019.
@AdamMcCalvy Ugh. Even though I knew it was going to happen, it still hurts.
@AdamMcCalvy Keston is going to haunt us for years to come wherever he goes https://t.co/a6PxKbVqNP
@AdamMcCalvy For all the high hopes for Keston, it came to this
The departures of Hiura and Naquin have many fans figuring that hulking slugger Luke Voit will make the team. Voit signed a minor league contract with the Brewers on Feb. 21.
@AdamMcCalvy I assume this means there’s a pretty good shot Voit makes the team?
@AdamMcCalvy Luke Voit might fill the role better, especially in a platoon situation with Hall
@AdamMcCalvy What about Voit? Smart move with letting go of Huira.
Tyler Naquin, Milwaukee barely knew thee.
@AdamMcCalvy Everyone gonna need a shot of Naquin after this.
Thanks Kesty and hope Tyler can stay in the Brewers system https://t.co/JejQLz6eUr
Milwaukee Brewers also let go of Tyler Naquin
Naquin, himself once a highly-touted prospect, will be looking for work after Friday's news. The 31-year-old outfielder played for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets last season, after spending his first five major league seasons with the Cleveland Guardians.
After finishing third in the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year voting, Naquin has largely disappointed. In a seven-year career, he is hitting .264 with 61 home runs and 237 RBIs.