Brewers acquire Shelby Miller and Jordan Montgomery from Arizona

[BrewCrew8675309]

4 hours ago, umphrey said:

I can’t figure out why send Montgomery instead of just taking cash. Tax threshold thing?

I wondered if there was an alternative gain to this as well. If Montgomery signs a decent contract for 2026, do the Brewers get comp picks??

[Brewer77]

12 minutes ago, BrewCrew8675309 said:

I wondered if there was an alternative gain to this as well. If Montgomery signs a decent contract for 2026, do the Brewers get comp picks??

Not sure if he would’ve been eligible either way, but since he was traded in-season he is not eligible for a comp pick

[patrickgpe]

you cannot get comp picks for an in-season trade. Brewers would get nothing. This was all vetted out during last season when trying to figure out what to do with Adames. 

[Samurai Bucky]

17 hours ago, BallFour said:

Worrisome to trade for a guy who has forearm soreness that relies on a splitter for his out pitch.

Get him in the pitching lab for a little bit and have him develop the patented Brewers cutter / sinker combo.  I know it takes longer than a few weeks, but a little work here and there wouldn't hurt.

[LouisEly]

On 7/31/2025 at 5:34 PM, umphrey said:

I can’t figure out why send Montgomery instead of just taking cash. Tax threshold thing?

Salary expense is likely deductible. Cash transfers likely not deductible.

[adambr2]

22 hours ago, LouisEly said:

Salary expense is likely deductible. Cash transfers likely not deductible.

Unless they really like something about Montgomery and want to see if he wants to stick around on a prove-it deal after rehabbing.

[adambr2]

This is more of a random musing than anything, but relief pitchers in MLB are such a fickle, interesting breed. You might go from one of the best relievers on your team, to DFA fodder within the course of a year.

And then in some cases, wind up being one of the best arms in a different pen later. 

There’s a few that are consistent and reliable year after year, but they’re rare. Many others follow the pattern of being valuable at various times and throwaways at other times.

You almost need to think much differently than other roles on the team as to how to value the relief pitcher if you’re a GM. (And definitely not like A.J. Preller).

[markedman5]

 

[markedman5]

 

[Playing Catch]

So... I'm guessing McGee goes back down?

[wiguy94]

1 minute ago, Playing Catch said:

So... I'm guessing McGee goes back down?

Seems like that would be what makes the most sense.

[biedergb]

So the bullpen for the next month or two (assuming health, which this year has taught me never to assume it) once Miller can be activated and assuming no other issues (please)

8 man pen:

Closer - Megill
8th/9th/Alt Closer - Miller
8th - Uribe
6/7th inning RHP - Mears, Anderson
6/7th inning LHP - Koenig, Ashby
long reliever - Hall

Seem right, or did I miss someone?

(And 5 starters rotating out of Peralta-Woodruff-Priester-Quintana-Henderson/Miz, with Patrick and Gasser as back up options later)

[formerlybis]

9 minutes ago, biedergb said:

So the bullpen for the next month or two (assuming health, which this year has taught me never to assume it) once Miller can be activated and assuming no other issues (please)

8 man pen:

Closer - Megill
8th/9th/Alt Closer - Miller
8th - Uribe
6/7th inning RHP - Mears, Anderson
6/7th inning LHP - Koenig, Ashby
long reliever - Hall

Seem right, or did I miss someone?

(And 5 starters rotating out of Peralta-Woodruff-Priester-Quintana-Henderson/Miz, with Patrick and Gasser as back up options later)

Yes, though I think you might start in the 7th with either Uribe or Miller and use the other in the 8th in as the "A-team". We'll see on Miller, actually - might want to ease him in a little before throwing him in the deep end to see if we can trust him.

[LouisEly]

1 hour ago, biedergb said:

8 man pen:

Closer - Megill
8th/9th/Alt Closer - Miller
8th - Uribe
6/7th inning RHP - Mears, Anderson
6/7th inning LHP - Koenig, Ashby
long reliever - Hall

Seem right, or did I miss someone?

I'd say there's a good chance that Mis ends up there before the end of the season.  He'd likely replace Anderson or both in the pen and call up another starter on 9/1.

[Frisbee Slider]

I’d expect Miller to slot as the 7th inning guy, unless Megill or Uribe need a break or falter.

[biedergb]

3 hours ago, Frisbee Slider said:

I’d expect Miller to slot as the 7th inning guy, unless Megill or Uribe need a break or falter.

Right I think this allows the team to rotate the 8th/9th inning between those three which *should* keep them fresher for the rest of the year, as Miller has closed games this season.

And that bumps everyone else back, so fewer outings or less high leverage outings for Mears, Koenig and Anderson who have performed well, but they can be the 6th/7th inning guys or late innings in less close games.

Again, assuming health, and everyone continues to perform as they have this year.