NEWS: Brewers Trade Mark Canha to the Detroit Tigers for Minor-League Pitcher

[Jason Wang]

The Brewers have made their first highly notable move of the 2023-24 offseason, trading Mark Canha to the Detroit Tigers rather than picking up his 2024 contract option.

Image courtesy of © Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Having clearly decided not to bring back Mark Canha for $11.5 million, the Brewers decided instead to bolster an already strong pitching farm system by adding Blake Holub, who posted a 3.79 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 40 ⅓ innings with the Erie SeaWolves in Double A. He was often used in later innings and put together seven saves, demonstrating his ability to pitch in high-leverage situations.

Currently on the roster for the Biloxi Shuckers in AA, Holub may move to AAA if things go well. At just 25 years old, he's still got a few years to work out some kinks and get used to facing higher-level hitters. There won't be any changes to the major-league pitching roster as a result of this move just yet, but the same can't be said about the lineup.

Primarily serving as a corner outfielder this year, Canha's departure may allow for Tyrone Taylor to get more playing time and continue the impressive trajectory he started towards the end of last season. It will also open the door to more at-bats at the designated hitter role which may play a huge role in the front office's decision to re-sign someone like Rowdy Tellez or pursue a free-agent pure DH like a J.D. Martinez or Joc Pederson. 

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