The MLB is currently in a lockout, which means that no major league transactions can occur. Once a new CBA is reached, moves will once again be allowed. There currently is no timeframe for when this will occur, other than hopefully prior to the start of spring training.
Prior to the lockout, the Brewers made a handful of under the radar signings. Pitchers J.C. Meja, Hobie Harris, and Trevor Gott were signed along with catchers Pedro Severino and Brett Sullivan. They also struck a pair of trades, one of which brought super utility infielder Mike Brosseau to the club. Lastly, David Stearns pulled off an incredible trade mere hours before the initiation of the lockout and added power hitting Hunter Renfroe.
With a vast majority of the Brewers core under contract, there is not a lot of major moves left for the Brewers to make once the lockout ends. However, there are a few moves they should strongly consider doing yet to help improve the ballclub.
Add a veteran bullpen pitcher
There is no shortage of young, talented arms in the Brewers system. Aaron Ashby currently has the most buzz surrounding him, but he may end up pitching in the starting rotation at times. Jake Cousins enjoyed an incredible 2021 season and Miguel Sanchez plus Jandel Gustave filled in nicely when called upon. Ethan Small also pitched very well in his first full minor league season.
The back end of the bullpen is locked down by three time NL Reliever of the Year Josh Hader and the hope is that Devin Williams will bounce back from his hand injury and return as the set up man. Given all of this, it seems that the Brewers could benefit from a few veteran pitchers to help sure up the bullpen prior to opening day.
Two former Brewers pitchers, who are currently free agents are veterans Brad Boxberger and Hunter Strickland. It is possible that one or even both return to the club for the 2022 season. Jeremy Jeffress has continued to be vocal about getting another chance in the big leagues and we all know how well he pitches with a Brewers uniform on. Stearns has a history of signing bullpen pitchers to one year prove it deals, so I would expect at least one bullpen arm to be signed.
Extend Omar Narvaez
After a disappointing first season in Milwaukee, Narvaez bounced back in 2021. He ended up getting All-Star honors for the first time of his career. On the season, he hit 11 home runs, drove in 49 batters, and finished with a 99 OPS+. In 2019, Narvaez hit 22 home runs. He has yet to return to that type of level offensively, but is still quiet solid at the plate.
From a defensive perspective, Narvaez has improved immensely over the past two years. He is one of the best pitch framers in the game and is not the liability from a pitch blocking perspective that most thought he would be. He is not the best at throwing out base runners, but in today’s game that is not a major concern.
2022 marks the final year that Narvaez is under club control before hitting free agency. He is projected to make $4.1MM this season. If he manages to put together another solid season, he could be more expensive to bring back. Extending him upon the conclusion of the lockout makes sense.
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