By Adam Roberts – 3/17/2021
During his previous stint with the Brewers, Travis Shaw became very well-liked by fans. This made his split with the team after a difficult 2019 season harder to swallow after Shaw and the Brewers couldn’t settle on a salary for the 2020 season.
At least now, he’ll have an opportunity to rejuvenate his great relationship with fans and teammates alike. Yesterday Shaw was added to the team’s official 40-man roster; the 30-year-old third baseman signed a minor-league contract with Milwaukee last month. Shaw could have requested his release otherwise. He spent last year with Toronto after the previous three seasons with the Crew.
Shaw reportedly stayed close with his Brewer teammates after joining the Blue Jays, and also regularly talked with manager Craig Counsell. Some had wondered if he would make the cut for the team this spring, or if his invitation to spring training was more fan service than actual strategy. But since spring ball has started, Shaw has played in 11 of 15 games, recording four hits including a double and home run with 4 RBIs in 29 at-bats. While is spot at the position is hardly a guaranteed thing, it could provide a little more flexibility for the team to focus on other areas that need improving.