Brewers deal for Yelich, sign Lorenzo Cain

MILWAUKEE — It became quite clear Thursday just how much the Milwaukee Brewers wanted Miami outfielder Christian Yelich. And they didn’t stop there in reshaping their outfield for years to come.

In a blockbuster deal for the multi-talented Yelich, the Brewers traded away outfielders Lewis Brinson and Monte Harrison, infielder Isan Diaz and righthander Jordan Yamamoto. Brinson was the consensus No. 1 prospect in the Brewers’ system, and Harrison and Diaz were ranked in the top 10.

That news was still fresh when reports surfaced that the Brewers also signed free-agent outfielder Lorenzo Cain to a five-year, $80 million contract. The team would not confirm that report because Cain has to pass a physical examination first but it was obvious their outfield plans had changed dramatically.

All indications are the Brewers will announce the Cain signing on Friday. At that time, general manager David Stearns might reveal what the plans are for a very crowded outfield that still includes the three starters from last season — left fielder Ryan Braun, center fielder Keon Broxton and right fielder Domingo Santana.

The Brewers have had Santana on the trade market all winter and no doubt would part with Broxton as well in the right deal. Cain is a tremendous defender in center and likely will see the bulk of the action there. Yelich played left field in Miami before moving to center last season so it remains to be seen if Braun, who has three years remaining on a big contract, will play every day in left.