What It Means:

The San Diego Padres non-tendered Middlebrooks earlier in December after a disappointing performance. The Brewers have an opening at third base, so he could win the job, or at least a spot on the roster, with a strong spring training.

Middlebrooks didn't get much playing time this season -- just 270 plate appearances -- and slashed .212/.241/.361 with a .259 wOBA. He also had a horrendous walk-to-strikeout ratio of 0.18. For reference, only two qualified hitters posted lower rates. One encouraging sign is that Middlebrooks hit nine home runs despite the lack of at-bats.