The past few seasons the Milwaukee Brewers have had a very deep bullpen. While closer Devin Williams gets all the accolades, it’s the guys behind him who are just as valuable. It seems like David Stearns or Matt Arnold can dig up high-leverage relievers. Acquiring Joel Payamps might have quietly made the Brewers winners of the three-team trade between them, the Braves, and the Athletics. Joel Payamps has become one of the most effective high-leverage relievers outside of Devin Williams out of the Brewers bullpen.
The Brewers Acquired Him In The Trade For William Contreras
Embed from Getty ImagesJoel Payamps came over in the trade between the Braves, Brewers, and Athletics that netted Milwaukee William Contreras. Contreras was the centerpiece of the trade and Payamps was viewed as more of a “throw-in.” Prior to coming to Milwaukee, Payamps had spent time with the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Royals, and Athletics organizations. Payamps had also spent time in the Rockies system but never threw a pitch for the big club. Prior to this season, he only appeared in 82 career games in the big leagues.
Originally Projected To Be A Regular Reliever
Embed from Getty ImagesAs the season drew near, many people considered Payamps to be just another middle reliever. Most projected him to be just a pitcher who would regularly come in during the middle innings, not a high-leverage reliever. Matt Bush was originally slated to be the set-up man while Hoby Milner and Peter Strzelecki would handle the high-leverage innings. However, things didn’t go as planned for the Brewers bullpen.
Milwaukee Struggles To Find A Consistent Set-Up Man
Embed from Getty ImagesMatt Bush struggled as the main setup man. His velocity and command were inconsistent and struggled to keep the ball in the park. He didn’t even last a month in the set-up role due to a rotator cuff injury. Prior to being designated for assignment, Bush was 0-2 with an ERA of 9.58 and a FIP of 9.37. He also had three blown saves.
Embed from Getty ImagesPeter Strzelecki was the next Brewer reliever to take a crack at the setup role. He held the role for two months and like Matt Bush, Strzelecki struggled. In his final ten appearances before being sent down, Strzelecki turned in a 5.73 ERA and 1.27 WHIP and failed to record a hold or save. Strzelecki would eventually be traded at the trade deadline to the Arizona Diamondbacks for veteran reliever Andrew Chaffin.
Joel Payamps Takes Over The Job
Embed from Getty ImagesPayamps took over as Milwaukee’s primary setup man on June 21st. Prior to that date, Payamps had only pitched in the eighth inning just once in his career. Since he’s taken over the role, he and the Brewers haven’t looked back. This season, Payamps is 4-3 with an ERA of 1.85, a 3.37 FIP, and a WHIP of 0.87. Armed with a fastball, slider, sinker, and change-up; Payamps is striking out a career-high 29.3% to just a 5% walk rate.
He Can Be Milwaukee’s Set Up Man For The Next Few Years
Embed from Getty ImagesFortunately for a team like the Brewers, Milwaukee has him under control for another three years. He’s not slated to hit free agency until 2027. Having someone who can provide continuity and stability as the main set-up man is huge for a bullpen. Milwaukee should know this firsthand. For instance, When Josh Hader was setting up then-closer Corey Knebel for two seasons, Milwaukee’s bullpen thrived, and the Brewers would begin their postseason appearance streak.
The Best Surprise The Brewers Have Had This Season
Embed from Getty ImagesOriginally just a player who was added in when William Contreras was acquired, Joel Payamps has become the most important arm in Milwaukee’s bullpen. With three years of control remaining on his contract, Milwaukee could potentially have their set-up man for the next few seasons. An argument could be made that the Brewers won this trade with Oakland and Atlanta. The Brewers were able to acquire not just one impactful player but another as well. Joel Payamps has given the Brewers more than they ever expected.
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