MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Brewers have traded outfielder Norichika Aoki to the Kansas City Royals, a move that likely means Ryan Braun will move from left to right field in 2014.
Milwaukee acquired left-handed pitcher Will Smith from Kansas City in exchange for Aoki, who hit .286 with eight homers, 37 RBIs, 20 steals and 80 runs scored last season.
Braun is expected back after his season-ending, 65-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s anti-drug agreement. Rookie Khris Davis emerged down the stretch filling in for Braun in left by hitting .279 with 11 homers.
The Brewers could go into next season now with Davis in left, Gold Glove-winner Carlos Gomez in center, and Braun in right.
Aoki would become the first Japanese-born position player to suit up for the Royals.
