Brewers' Trade Decision Under Scrutiny as Lockridge Shines
Spring training is typically a time for experimentation, where results are more about preparation than performance. But when Brandon Lockridge steps up to the plate, even these early games take on a different weight.
In a recent matchup at Peoria Sports Complex, the Padres staged a thrilling comeback to defeat the Brewers 7-5, scoring six runs in the eighth inning. Yet, it wasn’t just the rally that caught the attention of fans-it was Lockridge, a former Padres prospect, launching his second homer of the spring against his old team.
Lockridge’s performance is a reminder of the ever-present irony in baseball, where trades can quickly become talking points before the season even officially begins.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy took a positive view, emphasizing the value of getting his big-league players extended reps while younger pitchers gain experience, typical of spring training strategy. However, Padres fans are viewing this through a different lens, one that questions the wisdom of past decisions.
Lockridge, though not touted as a franchise cornerstone, possesses a skill set that teams often miss when depth is tested-speed, athleticism, and enough power to make a difference. His 99th-percentile sprint speed makes him a constant threat on the bases and a defensive asset in the outfield.
The trade that sent Lockridge to Milwaukee was no minor shuffle. On July 31, 2025, the Padres sent him to the Brewers in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes, who was recovering from an elbow issue, 18-year-old shortstop prospect Jorge Quintana, and cash considerations. Each component of the deal had its rationale, but Lockridge’s early spring success is prompting a reevaluation.
It’s early days, and spring training stats aren’t definitive. However, Lockridge’s homers against his former team are a loud reminder of what the Padres gave up. It’s a narrative that might linger as the season unfolds, echoing in the minds of fans and analysts alike.