Brewers acquire first baseman Adam Lind from Blue Jays

We’re not even a full day into November and the hot stove is already firing up around Major League Baseball.

According to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish, the Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays formally agreed to the offseason’s first trade on Saturday afternoon. As for the details, the Brewers have acquired 31-year-old first baseman Adam Lind, who earlier in the day had his $7.5 million option for 2015 picked up by Toronto, in exchange for 31-year-old right-hander Marco Estrada.

Not exactly a blockbuster, but it’s only the beginning of what’s expected to be an active offseason. 

For Milwaukee, finding stability at first base has been a problem since Prince Fielder left in free agency following the 2011 season. Lind, a left-hander hitter with some pop, should give them an every day option against right-hander pitchers. For his career, he’s hitting .293 against right-handers, but only .212 against left-handers. A strict platoon is likely, but he should help provide a signifciant upgrade over Matt Reynolds and Lyle Overbay, who combined to hit .207/.287/.356 in 2014. 

Overall, Lind batted .321/.381/.479 with six home runs and 40 RBI over 96 games during the 2014 season. He was forced to miss extended time with a non-displaced fracture in his right foot, among other ailments, which obviously skewed his power numbers. From 2009-2013, he averaged 24 homers a season, including a career-high 35 in 2009. 

His contract also includes an affordable $8 million club option for 2016. If healthy, a bounce back season is likely, and a bounce back season would make him a bargain at that price tag. 

For Toronto, Marco Estrada gives them depth as a starting or relief option. He posted a 4.36 ERA over 18 starts and 21 relief appearances this past season, but the number that stands out is the 29 homers he allowed, which was the most in the National League. Pitching at Rogers Centre against the American League East doesn’t seem like the best scenario for a turnaround, but it’s what Toronto will hope for. 

The Blue Jays also announced they’re declining Brandon Morrow’s $10 million option and Dustin McGowan’s $4 million option. Estrada, who’s entering his final season of arbitration eligibility, seemingly already has the inside track to make their staff in some form. He’s expected to earn between $4.5 and $5 million in 2015. 

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813