Milwaukee Brewers DFA Former .300 Hitter
After a solid run with the Los Angeles Angels for several years as a versatile and productive utility man, infielder Luis Rengifo had a tough season in 2025, and hit free agency, where the Halos let him walk.
The Milwaukee Brewers decided to take a flyer on the former .300 hitter, handing him a $3.5 million deal for the 2026 season, but it just hasn't worked out. Now they've designated him for assignment.
Luis Rengifo to be designated for assignment by the Brewers, per @ragazzoreport.
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) June 16, 2026
High-level prospect Cooper Pratt has been called up, and will get the start at shortstop for Milwaukee.
The 29-year-old Rengifo was hitting just .205 this season, with a .534 OPS, zero home runs and 19 RBIs in 209 plate appearances. To be sure, he also had some bad luck, as he had only a .233 BABIP (batting average on balls in play), well below the league average.
It was only two years ago, with the Angels, that Rengifo made himself into a star utility player, batting .300 with 24 stolen bases, a .347 on base pct., and a 115 OPS+. His numbers dropped significantly last year, although on the defensive side of the ball, he did manage to play every position on the field, except for catcher and first base.
If he's not claimed off waivers (unlikely with his contract), the Brewers will have a week to try and trade him. If they can't, they may be forced to release him, and eat the rest of his contract (about $2M worth).
Rengifo had played in 57 of the Brewers' 69 games this season, mostly at third base. David Hamilton and Joey Ortiz will now likely take over the bulk of the playing time at the hot corner.
Top prospect Cooper Pratt to make major league debut
Milwaukee's #4 prospect, Pratt, will get a chance to play regularly on the left side of the infield. He signed an eight-year, $50.75 million contract extension earlier this year with Milwaukee before ever playing a game in the majors.
At Triple-A this season, Pratt slashed .241/.349/.386 with a .735 OPS, six home runs, 32 RBI and 17 stolen bases.
