It’s time to name some names.
If the Milwaukee Brewers really do have the appetite to make a splash at the Aug. 3 Major League Baseball trade deadline, how exactly would they pull it off? Which players would be available in those deals for front-line players (and some under-the-radar players, for that matter)?
Let’s throw out some mock proposals, with temporary Brewers general manager Curt Hogg giving the stamp of approval or hanging up the phone. We’ll start with the biggest fish in the sea of trade candidates.
A trade proposal for Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal
Reaction: I admire the fair value of the deal you’re offering me. There are some rather ludicrous proposals being thrown out there for two months of Skubal. There are definitely questions surrounding both of these players. Fischer’s flags are obvious; the man is running a 33% whiff rate at Class AA. That creates a real concern of if he’s ever going to make enough contact in the majors, but then again, the bottom of the list of contact rates actually contains some really good names. Hey, there’s Hunter Goodman! Nick Kurtz! Kyle Schwarber! Brandon Lowe! Byron Buxton! Jarren Duran – wait, act like I didn’t say that one. On top of that, I’m still a believer that Williams is of the 2-WAR-a-year mold as a baseline. I know Skubal is The Name on the market, but you’re going to have to lower the price for me.
Verdict: Congratulations on Skubal, Dodgers. It’s a no from Milwaukee.
What about Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan?
Reaction: Well, Twins, this is an intriguing call given you are indicating to the media you aren’t selling at the deadline. But let’s go with it anyway. Oh, is that Logan Henderson’s name I see there? Yeah, we just can’t do that at this particular point in time. We need arms. Not need arms and are willing to give up our third-best starter at this point.
Verdict: No.
A trade proposal for Washington Nationals infielder CJ Abrams
Reaction: Hello there, Washington Nationals. I see you’ve come to play ball again. Here’s the thing. I don’t think that, deep down, you would do this deal. It doesn’t move the needle for me, either. So let’s reunite at the drawing board in, like, November.
Verdict: I think let’s move our separate ways.
A trade proposal to bring back old friend and New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta
Reaction: Sorry, I didn’t return your text. I’ve spent the past couple of days in an existential crisis as to whether to accept this deal. Is Marco Dinges too much to give up for two months of a guy with an ERA flirting with the number five? On one hand, yes. But there’s also lots of optimism within the building that Peralta still has significantly more upside in him than he’s shown with the Mets. Still, that’s a pretty decent gamble on someone who hasn’t really performed great in the big games. Also, am I wrong to prefer Yoho to Minter the rest of the year? I’m actually going to delete this whole paragraph before responding, that way I’m not turning down the offer, just ghosting it.
Verdict: /blank/
A trade with the Baltimore Orioles to address multiple needs
Reaction: Taylor Ward, on-base machine who lengthens the lineup? Yes, very good. Rico Garcia, enticing reliever with late-inning experience and years of control? We’re talking. Andrew Kit – wait, you gave HOW much money to Andrew Kittredge? OK, whatever, fine. We will eat the remainder of his salary but you’re not getting Eric Bitonti now.
Verdict: You will accept my counter.
A trade for a different Detroit Tigers pitcher
Reaction: You’ve done it, Tigers GM Whose Name I Never Remember. You’ve dangled a deal in front of my face that the computer tells me in bold letters to not do but I am absolutely going to do anyway. Let the Crow fly free. Go be great, Luke Adams. Welcome to Milwaukee, Casey Mize. A hoodie should do the trick; the Miller will keep you warm during the November parade.
Verdict: Smash the accept button
Fishing for pitching help from the Miami Marlins
Reaction: Sorry, I don’t really have the time right now for prank calls.
Verdict: No.
A trade with the Colorado Rockies to fill some needs that might be more Milwaukee’s style
Reaction: Moniak is having a very nice season but this offer has BUYER BEWARE written all over it. Overperforming corner outfielder who isn’t good at defense? Plus a rental reliever?
Verdict: Sorry, I’m not sorry.
A trade for the biggest name on the trade market … last year
Reaction: The year is 2050. Eugenio Suarez is still slugging .400 but then using a hoverboard to get around the bases. People wonder if the Brewers will go after him. They do not.
Verdict: Blake Burke?!?! In this economy?? No.
JR interjection: I am disappointed you did not comment on the Brock Burke for Blake Burke swap.
A Los Angeles Angels starter not named Reid Detmers
Reaction: I am very interested in Soriano, but while we’re here can we just talk Reid Detmers instead?
Verdict: Blake Burke?!?! In this economy?? No.
JR interjection: Well, would you do the same deal for Reid Detmers?
Verdict, part II: Yes, but the Angels wouldn’t.
A buyer-buyer offer
Reaction: Sure, why not!
Verdict: Sure, why not!
One more with the New York Mets
Reaction: I could absolutely see the Brewers dangling Luke Adams for an interesting return at the deadline. He’s done nothing but hit in the minors, has a .952 OPS as a 22-year-old at Class AAA, would be a darling of many clubs’ models but also may never play a premium position in the majors. Brazobán is a sinker-heavy reliever with three years of control who fits the Brewers’ mantra well. I don’t love doing this, but you have to give something to get something.
Verdict: Plugging my nose and saying yes.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Should the Milwaukee Brewers make these trade deadline moves?
Reporting by Curt Hogg and JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Curt Hogg and JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
