The Milwaukee Brewers are well-known for pinching the pocketbook when it comes to splashy signings or trades. Deadlines past have seen them ride the fence between buying and selling, even in the thick of playoff contention. This season’s squad, however, feels special. Not only do the Brewers have the National League’s best record, they have been red-hot for over two months now. Recent comments from owner Mark Attanasio imply that Milwaukee may take a different approach this July 31.
Are Milwaukee Brewers all-in on adding?
In an interview on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, Attanasio backed the idea that this year’s success calls for a more aggressive mindset, as Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy details.
“The team is telling us pretty loudly that we should be trying to make it better. Everything is on the table,” Attanasio said.
Combined with his recognition of the roster’s October upside, his remark on the financial considerations of a potential trade, a consistent damper on big-market moves in Milwaukee, is also encouraging.
“At this point, you are paying for 1/3 of a season, the money doesn’t come into it, it is the prospects. And Matt [Arnold] and his group will decide what prospects they are willing to let go of, for what players.”
Hearing Attanasio dismiss dollar concerns is a positive sign for anyone hoping that MLB’s 24th-ranked payroll will pay up for high-level talent. If they do pursue a rental, they only benefit from that player’s services for a few months, as opposed to holding onto them for next year, but the good news is that this factor will also suppress the cost of acquiring even the biggest of available names.
Christian Yelich Mark Attanasio
Areas to address at MLB trade deadline
That said, the Brewers do not need a marquee star. More so, they must prioritize patching up the most noticeable roster holes with productive but not necessarily premier additions. Near the very bottom in overall power, they could use some pop somewhere in the field. While Milwaukee is solid mostly everywhere, they would benefit most from another power-hitting outfielder or versatile first baseman.
Because Isaac Collins, the current left fielder, can play multiple positions, they could maneuver his playing time to some extent around another outfield bat. It would not have to be an either/or scenario.
Alternatively, they could look to acquire someone with experience at first while Rhys Hoskins works his way back from injury, providing insurance behind or ahead of Andrew Vaughn. Flexibility would be key, as whoever the Brewers brought in would have to contribute at another position once Hoskins returns.
Finally they could simply target another backend reliever with a knack for missing bats. The bullpen has been doing just fine, but ony closer Trevor Megill and setup man Abner Uribe have whiff rates that really stand out. A strikeout per inning is run-of-the-mill for most high-leverage relievers these days. There’s no such thing as having too many power arms in the postseason.
Obviously, the Brewers should not deplete their strong minor league system simply for the sake of adding someone. Even with a more aggressive outlook, fans can count on the front office not to do that. But general manager Arnold and his crew shouldn’t waste the chance to bolster what, whether ESPN likes it or not, looks a lot like a World Series contender.
“We have to be judicious,” said Attansio, “but we also have a chance to do some good things this year.” The Brewers should tackle the deadline accordingly.
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