The MLB trade deadline is two weeks away and the Milwaukee Brewers should absolutely be looking to make their team better. After sweeping the Cincinnati Reds immediately following the All-Star Break, they are leading the division by two games.
Despite their success as of late, there are plenty of weaknesses on the roster. First base, third base, and designated hitter are all positions of concern. To complicate matters, Rowdy Tellez broke his finger shagging fly balls and Brian Anderson was just placed on the IL.
If the team learned anything from last year’s trade deadline, it is that they should not mess with clubhouse chemistry. The trade of Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres killed the Brewers’ morale and essentially sank their season. In order to avoid another catastrophe, these three players should be off limits in all trade discussions.
1. Left Fielder Christian Yelich
After three years, Brewers left fielder Christian Yelich finally has returned to form. While he is not putting up the other-worldly numbers that he did in 2018 and 2019, he did match his production before the 2018 All-Star Break and that mirror his production with the Miami Marlins prior to being traded to Milwaukee.
Large market teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are reportedly interested in trading for Yelich, but the Brewers should be hesitant of including him in any deal. While he is the team’s highest paid player, he was paid that much for a reason: to be the cornerstone of the team.
Milwaukee has plenty of young talent, as fans have seen with Joey Wiemar, Brice Turang, and Garrett Mitchell. However, a reliable veteran is needed, and that is what Yelich is. No longer in a prolonged slump, the Brewers will need him if they are to make an extended postseason run.
2. Starting Pitcher Corbin Burnes
During the All-Star Break, Corbin Burnes revealed that Brewers general manager Matt Arnold informed him that he will not be traded at the deadline. That in and of itself is all the reason not to trade him. The PR nightmare that would result after the public was told Burnes would be around for the whole season would be one of legend.
All of that aside, though, Burnes pitched well enough in the first half of the season to earn an All-Star nod as a injury replacement. Furthermore, after the break, he had his best outing of the season, striking out 13 Reds hitters in six innings of shutout ball.
Burnes may have started slow, but he has found his groove. While his trade value may be higher now as opposed to the offseason, Milwaukee’s starting rotation absolutely needs him to lead them into and through the Playoffs.
3. Closer Devin Williams
While it may be obvious that the Brewers should not (and will not) trade Williams, last year’s trade deadline deal of Hader almost makes it necessary to include him. Williams has 23 saves this season and still has years of club control remaining. Of course, he is not going anywhere.
As the team has surpassed the midway point of the season, the bullpen has come into form and has several quality relievers in Elvis Peguero, Joel Payamps, and Hoby Milner. Still, there have been moments where bullpen depth has been a concern. Due to this, Milwaukee should be looking to add arms to their bullpen, not subtracting them.
Other Milwaukee Brewers Players Off Limits in 2023
- Willy Adames
- Any relief pitcher
- Freddy Peralta
- Brandon Woodruff
- William Contreras
- Joey Wiemer
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