On Rule 5 protection deadline day, David Stearns and company made a surprise swap with the Cleveland Indians. Milwaukee acquired utility infielder Mark Mathias in exchange for 18-year old catching prospect Andres Melendez.
The #Brewers have acquired INF Mark Mathias from Cleveland in exchange for C Andres Melendez. Mathias will be added to the 40-man roster. pic.twitter.com/PxmuhrZLnN
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) November 20, 2019
The trade is interesting because Mathias needed to be added to Milwaukee’s 40-man roster in order to be safeguarded from Rule 5 eligibility. Mathias is a 25-year old infielder who plays primarily second base and third base, although he has logged over 200 minor league innings at shortstop in his career.