Brewers' Kirk Nieuwenhuis: Inks split deal with Brewers

Nieuwenhuis agreed to a one-year split contract with the Brewers on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

Analysis:

The 29-year-old batted a lowly .209 last season, but his outstanding 14.3 percent walk rate and solid .176 ISO combined with his good defense all over the outfield made a good case for the Brewers to tender him a contract for another season. The split deal would have him making considerably less money if he gets sent back to the minors should Milwaukee chooses to kick the tires on their younger options in the outfield, but Nieuwenhuis' versatility could work in his favor for the time being as he attempts to land a bench role in spring training.