The Brewers sit atop the NL Central 98 games into the season, but they are not what they need to be just yet. Milwaukee rarely spends, and other than the C.C. Sabathia trade, have not been known as big-ticket buyers mid-season. The Braves have a roster to win it all. The top NL West teams will probably be buying at the deadline. The Brewers cannot stand still, they must improve. Here is the Brewers shopping list for the trade deadline.
Starting Pitching
The Crew is happy to see Corbin Burnes starting to look like an Ace, but Brandon Woodruff has missed a lot of time with an injury and Freddy Peralta has been bad. The back end of the rotation has been solid, but Milwaukee needs to add one more dependable starter. There are a few options.
- Dylan Cease, White Sox: The 27-year-old righty is probably too flashy for the Brewers front office, but he would be a terrific addition.
- Eduardo Rodriguez, Tigers: The Brewers could really use a lefty, and Rodriguez had a great start to the year. With Detroit falling out of the division race, they could be willing to sell.
- Austin Gomber, Rockies: This is the kind of player the Brewers are likely to add. Gomber, a lefty, has been average this season, but all pitchers benefit from leaving the hitter-friendly Colorado ballpark.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 07: Starting pitcher Dylan Cease #84 of the Chicago White Sox throws a pitch in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 07, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Relief Pitching
The Brewers have found a solid back end of the bullpen with Joel Payamps and Elvis Peguero setting up Devin Williams. The bullpen has been fine, but some upgrades could solidify this team. Some names to watch are:
- Brooks Raley, Mets: The 35-year-old lefty has been solid this year with a 2.14 ERA and 36 strikeouts.
- Matt Moore, Angels: Another veteran arm who has been decent this year. He has 25 strikeouts and a 2.25 ERA this season.
- Brent Suter, Rockies: Brewers fans would rejoice if the Crew brought Suter back. He just returned from a trip to the IL, but he has a 2.74 ERA and 35 strikeouts through 42.2 innings.
Hitter
The offseason pickups have not panned out for the Brewers outside of Catcher William Contreras. The Brewers are likely to look for some pop at DH or 1B. There are plenty of options, but here are some realistic choices.
- CJ Cron, Rockies: Cron would provide a good option at 1B and would be affordable. He has been slightly disappointing this year, but that is why he would be affordable.
- Garrett Cooper, Marlins: Another 1B option, Cooper is the kind of player the Brewers have typically given a shot. At 32 years old, the price should not scare off Milwaukee.
- Trent Grisham, Padres: A former Brewer who is known as a great locker room guy, is starting to find his groove this season. Grisham could DH and help out in the outfield.
The Brewers have some assets to make a big swing at the deadline, but we Brewer fans know that is unlikely. If they can fill some holes this team will be a legit threat in the NL and put themselves back in the World Series conversation.
Vince talks baseball every Sunday on the Sports Stove Fantasy Baseball Show, and every Wednesday on the original Sports Stove Podcast. You can follow Vince on Twitter to read more of his Brewers’ opinions.
