The Milwaukee Brewers will make trades to increase their chances of winning the NL Central. The trade deadline is fast approaching and by this time on Tuesday, August 2, don’t be surprised to see some new faces wearing Brewers uniforms. This team knows their needs and will want to address them.
Traders since 2018
The Brewers have made some deals near the deadline for the past four seasons, with a fifth most certainly coming. They could make the postseason for a fifth straight season and know they need key pieces if they want to hold off the St. Louis Cardinals as well as get far in the NL playoffs.
Starting pitching Needed
The Milwaukee Brewers will make trades, and adding a starting pitcher should be at the top of the list. Yes, we know Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff have been excellent and one of the main reasons why the team has been in first place. Burnes is in the top five in ERA and quality starts in the NL. Woodruff leads the team with nine wins. He has gone 3–0 in his last five starts with a 2.20 ERA. He lasted six innings in three of those outings and only allowed more than two runs once.
Adrian Houser and Freddy Peralta are battling injuries. Their returns are still up in the air. If either or both come back how they will look? Will they need time to get themselves back in game shape? With this team in currently in first, they will need a dependable number three starter to help keep them there. If House and Peralta return quickly and in good shape to play, all the better.
Middle Relief
The Brewers have an outstanding bullpen and rely on many pitchers. They currently lead the majors with 37 saves and are in the top ten in strikeouts. Josh Hader is the best closer and currently leads the majors in saves. Manager Craig Counsell has all the confidence in him. However, Hader has struggled the month of July. His ERA has gone from a 1.05 on July 3 to a 4.24 as July winds down. While it might have been due to the new baby, it could also be the result of a tired arm, and any assistance they can get him will only help ease the pressure on his arm and his mental state.
Devin Williams is the best set-up pitcher in the game. He is having an outstanding year with a 1.63 ERA. He has contributed six saves. If something happens to Hader or he needs a day off this team is confident in Williams getting the job done.
Another reliever we must mention is Brad Boxberger. There was a lot of speculation and hope that he would sign back with the Brewers this season after pitching well in 2021. He has not disappointed. He currently has a 2.79 ERA in 40 games.
Regardless of the pitching talent they have and how well they’re performing and supporting one another overall, you know in a playoff race you can never have enough relievers.
Outfield Depth
The Milwaukee Brewers will make trades and they could also use some outfield depth. Their outfield is finally healthy, but a centerfielder upgrade would push the team to the next level. Center fielder Lorenzo Cain was designated for assignment in June. Both Jonathan Davis and Tyrone Taylor have platooned there and though they are sound defensively, their offensive output is lagging.
Right fielder Hunter Renfroe has missed some games while battling calf and hamstring issues since June. When he is healthy, he is the team’s leader on the field. With his strong throwing arm, he plays defense like no other Brewers outfielder. Renfroe has come out of the All-Star break on a tear, recording three straight multi-hit games and homering in each one. The question is whether he can remain healthy during the playoff stretch.
Minor Leagues
The Milwaukee Brewers will make trades, but their farm system is currently ranked in the bottom five according to MLB.com. They only have three prospects ranked in the top 100; Jackson Chourio, who is only 18, comes in at number 36.
Yes, they have made it known they are in the hunt for multiple players ahead of this year’s deadline, but with a farm system ranked in the bottom five the last couple years should you trade one or multiple players for one “rental” player from a trade? That is, what do they have that other teams want and are they willing to part with their future for a playoff push now?
Outlook Final two Months
The outlook for the Brewers in the final two months of the season looks to be challenging. As of Sunday games, they will have 60 games left including 32 at home. Seven of those games are with the playoff-contending St. Louis Cardinals.
However, the Brewers have done surprisingly well considering injuries and slumps from key players. If they make trades for a starter and an outfielder and if the three main bullpen arms—Boxberger, Williams and Hader—continue to pitch well, this team might hold off the Cardinals and win the NL Central. It’s certainly going to be a fun race to watch.
Main Photo:
Players/managers mentioned:
Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Adrian Houser, Freddy Peralta, Josh Hader, Craig Counsell, Devin Williams, Brad Boxberger, Lorenzo Cain, Jonathan Davis, Tyrone Taylor, Hunter Renfroe, Jackson Chourio
