The July 30th MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching and rumors are starting to heat up. Most recently, multiple sources have rumored the Brewers to be seeking at least one bullpen pitcher.
Both Ken Rosenthal and Robert Murray have indicated this. Robert Murray of Fansided even went to the lengths in his latest column to include that the Brewers may be adding two bullpen pitchers.
Per @Ken_Rosenthal, the #Brewers are going to add to their bullpen ahead of the 2021 Trade Deadline
— MLB Trade Deadline (@MLBDeadlineNews) July 21, 2021
Currently, the Brewers bullpen is anchored by closer Josh Hader and reigning NL Rookie and Reliever of the Year Devin Williams. Williams is currently on the IL but likely will resume his normal eighth inning role in the near future. Veteran Brad Boxberger has been the seventh inning man for the majority of the season.
The remainder of the bullpen has consistently composed of: Brent Suter, Hunter Strickland, Jake Cousins, and Miguel Sanchez. Justin Topa is currently pitching in the minor leagues. Much hyped prospect Aaron Ashby was shuttled back to the minors after just one appearance in the big leagues.
With what seems to be a lock down seventh through ninth inning bullpen rotation, why are the Brewers looking to add more bullpen pieces? I believe that the answer to this is because David Stearns is looking to add more veteran bullpen depth.
Stearns has not been hesitant this year to bring in veteran players with high leverage experience (Boxberger, Strickland) to build this current bullpen. In conjunction with veterans, he also has mixed in a few less proven players in Cousins and Sanchez. Should Topa return, he would fall under the less proven category as well.
With the team currently atop the NL Central and poised to make a playoff run, adding another veteran bullpen pitcher or two could help sure up this pitching staff. Having an abundance of veterans, along with a few wild card/less proven but electric bullpen pitchers who are already on the team, would give Counsell plenty of weapons to choose from in the playoffs.
All-in-all, the fact the Brewers are rumored to add a bullpen pitcher or two is not surprising. A team can never have enough pitching. I would not be surprised to see the Brewers add a veteran arm or two prior to the trade deadline.
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