Brewer Fanatic Readers Pitch Trade Ideas for the Brewers

[Jason Wang]

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Last Friday, we posted a forum thread that asked for our readers’ preferred trade targets for this year’s deadline, assuming they could only pick one name. We had more than a few intriguing answers, and I’m here to take a closer look at each pitch.

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@TwinsBrewersWorldSeries said: Freddy Peralta (just to watch heads explode). We roll with some combo of Miz, Harrison, Patrick, Henderson in the playoffs….but Peralta replacing Sproat or Gasser gets us the 1 seed.

Aside from the obvious value of a homecoming for our glorious king Freddy Peralta, this is a pretty solid take. On the surface, his 3.38 ERA and average Statcast numbers don’t seem like much to write home about, but because he’s Freddy Peralta, there’s a solid chance that he would be even more effective in Milwaukee than he currently is in Queens.

To me, the most important quality that Peralta would give to the Brewers’ rotation is length. The current rotation is mostly made up of younger players, and while one of them is throwing jet fuel on his 90th pitch, the others don’t quite have the same stamina. Milwaukee already has a tendency to demand a lot from its bullpen, and with many of their starters going fewer than six innings, it’s even more pronounced this year. Five of Milwaukee’s relievers have already made 23 or more appearances, and Aaron Ashby has been forced to throw 37 ⅓ innings. Poor guy.

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@owbc said: Joe Ryan is mine. It would be Skubal, but I think he might go ahead of the deadline, and we are more concerned about October than getting more regular-season starts.

Joe Ryan is arguably the only good thing the Twins rotation has had going for them over the last two years. After a strong 2025 campaign, he has been even better this year, pitching to a 3.20 ERA with a 2.76 FIP over his first 13 starts. He has elite strikeout and walk rates, and his four-seam fastball is one of the best in the business.

Minnesota isn’t out of the playoff race just yet, but it seems like it’ll be quite the uphill battle for them to make it there. Thus, it’s likely that they’ll be sellers at the deadline as they were last year. Their farm system is quite solid (ranked No. 9 by MLB Pipeline in March), and Ryan seems like he’ll be their most sought-after asset this year, so expect a steep asking price.

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@cragi said: Skubal

The Tigers are going to get a lot of calls about Skubal this summer, but I’d be surprised if the Brewers were one of the parties dialing in, mostly because I think the $32 million salary is enough for Milwaukee to pass. You could ask the Tigers to pay down what he's owed, but that means giving up even better prospects. Additionally, their current southpaw options aren’t too shabby.

Kyle Harrison is putting up video-game numbers and would probably be getting even more attention if his stablemate Misiorowski weren’t playing an even cooler video game. Shane Drohan hasn’t had as many innings but hasn’t been half bad when he has pitched, posting a 2.87 ERA over 31.1 IP with a 2.77 FIP. You can thank the Red Sox for both of these fellas.

Throw in the fact that the Brewers have two multi-inning left-handed relievers in Ashby and DL Hall, and I don’t think the front office is even willing to pay Skubal’s remaining salary, let alone give up significant prospect capital to even have the ability to do so.

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@nate82 said: Highly unlikely, but if Witt becomes available, that is the only player I would go after.

Highly unlikely indeed, especially given his eye-watering $288-million contract, but it would be nice to have a player of his caliber covering one of Milwaukee’s weakest positions. Neither Joey Ortiz nor David Hamilton has been offensively viable at shortstop this year, and they’ve combined for a .531 OPS, making the Brewers comfortably dead last in terms of shortstop OPS.

Third base isn’t much better, which means that the entire left side of the infield is a point of concern and will probably be one of the organization’s priorities down the stretch. I don’t know if that means making a trade or calling up one of their current infield prospects, but I do know that it definitely doesn’t involve getting Bobby Witt Jr. in a Brewers jersey.

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@jay87shot said: Byron Buxton, I would love a SS/3B, but I don’t see a difference maker really being available. I will give a shout out to Reid Detmers, I think he is a guy like Harrison that has the tools to be a top line guy but needs to get out of LA.

Thank you for agreeing with my last point Mr. 87shot! What a timely response.

This seems like it will be the third consecutive season that Buxton will post an OPS+ above 130, and I’m all for it. He’s a great player with some exceptional tools and is one of the best outfielders in the game when healthy. His seven-year, $100-million contract extension might actually be the only successful move made by Minnesota’s front office since I started watching baseball.

Assuming the Twins would be willing to trade their current face of the franchise, he’d be a great fit on paper for the Brewers, but I have to wonder if Milwaukee would be willing to give up on the cheaper and almost-as-good alternative in Garrett Mitchell. At least they both share a penchant for spending time on the injured list.

As for Detmers, I don’t doubt that he’d excel in Milwaukee over Anaheim and would likely benefit from more separation between his arsenal (his four-seam, sinker, and changeup have very similar profiles right now). However, the Brewers may not be as enthusiastic about giving up minor-league talent for a project starter who may not even fit in the current postseason rotation. 

I do want to point out that over the last two seasons, he has pitched to a 4.31 ERA and 3.04 FIP. Tantalizing, but not sure if it’s enough to push him over the edge. The front office is probably keeping an eye on him, though.

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@LouisEly said: If Toronto stays out of it, Ernie Clement.

This gets back to the original problem the team currently has with the left side of the infield, which has simply been lackluster. Ernie, whose legal name is evidently not Ernest, has been a valuable utility piece for the Blue Jays. While many teams have utility players that simply fill several roles at a near replacement level, Clement has been one of the most valuable players on the team since 2024.

He has spent most of his time filling in at second base now that Kazuma Okamoto has taken over the starting job at third base, but Clement would still be a meaningful upgrade over Luis Rengifo, who has struggled to be impactful with the bat or the glove thus far. With a strong skillset, a few remaining years of club control, and a dedicated fanbase in Toronto, he won’t come cheap, but he could be the answer to one of Milwaukee’s most glaring issues right now.

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@HarryDoyle said: Literally any mediocre hitting third baseman. 

It’s time to start a dialogue.

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Thanks for all of your contributions. I hope to do this again soon!

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[Brock Beauchamp]

Let me know what you all think of this kind of work! I'd like to integrate you forum dwellers into more of our content. I think it's a fun bottom-up approach we can take.

[Rick Daltons Flamethrower]

Thanks for the interesting article. Filled with much imagination. I would just say pump the brakes until Brandon Woodruff returns. Let's see how his rehab goes. Getting sooner.

[Jim French Stepstool]

10 minutes ago, Rick Daltons Flamethrower said:

Thanks for the interesting article. Filled with much imagination. I would just say pump the brakes until Brandon Woodruff returns. Let's see how his rehab goes. Getting sooner.

That, and Henderson. It's not an ideal situation but I like how they've juggled the back few spots in the rotation given the health issues. Last night Gasser reminded me a little of his 2024 run. His maintaining that would be huge.

[liveforoctober]

The trade deadline this year will be fireworks on this board again. Last year's deadline day thread was one of the most entertaining threads of the year. A lot of emotion and despair. I imagine it will be a repeat this year. Looking forward to it.

[Jim French Stepstool]

1 hour ago, liveforoctober said:

The trade deadline this year will be fireworks on this board again. Last year's deadline day thread was one of the most entertaining threads of the year. A lot of emotion and despair. I imagine it will be a repeat this year. Looking forward to it.

Think we'll move the needle?

[liveforoctober]

6 minutes ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

Think we'll move the needle?

Tough to say. There will be much needling of any moves though.

[Trax]

All guys mentioned will require major comp.   

 

The only one that really intrigues me is the least likely, Bobby Witt Jr.

I know he's not available but if he were for the right return what would that return be?

Jett Williams, Brady Ebel, Luis Lara, Tyson Hardin and Jared Koenig?  

Too much?   Too little?

 

[TURBO]

17 minutes ago, Trax said:

  

 

The only one that really intrigues me is the least likely, Bobby Witt Jr.

I know he's not available but if he were for the right return what would that return be?

Jett Williams, Brady Ebel, Luis Lara, Tyson Hardin and Jared Koenig?  

Too much?   Too little?

 

WAY too little I'm afraid.

[Trax]

46 minutes ago, TURBO said:

WAY too little I'm afraid.

Yeah, I know.   Maybe Ashby instead of Koenig ?  Hate to lose him though.  Might have to include Pena or Quero.   Made off the table. 

[liveforoctober]

1 hour ago, Trax said:

All guys mentioned will require major comp.   

 

The only one that really intrigues me is the least likely, Bobby Witt Jr.

I know he's not available but if he were for the right return what would that return be?

Jett Williams, Brady Ebel, Luis Lara, Tyson Hardin and Jared Koenig?  

Too much?   Too little?

 

Quarter of a $billion.

[wiguy94]

26 minutes ago, Trax said:

Yeah, I know.   Maybe Ashby instead of Koenig ?  Hate to lose him though.  Might have to include Pena or Quero.   Made off the table. 

Any Bobby Witt trade would need to start with Made

[Trax]

I figured that, just dreaming.   Considering his contract (which he's worth) and the comp it's a no way deal.

 

Made has played SS so far almost exclusively but I think Pratt is the long term commitment there, moving Made to 3rd.  Williams to 2nd if we can not sign Turang long term, or if we do one of Williams or Pratt traded.

That is a very desirable future infield.

[TURBO]

5 hours ago, Trax said:

I figured that, just dreaming.   Considering his contract (which he's worth) and the comp it's a no way deal.

 

Made has played SS so far almost exclusively but I think Pratt is the long term commitment there, moving Made to 3rd.  Williams to 2nd if we can not sign Turang long term, or if we do one of Williams or Pratt traded.

That is a very desirable future infield.

...or Jett to the outfield and Pena at 2B.

That leaves 1B open for Fischer, Burke and/or Adams.

 

[Turning2]

I mentioned early, maybe in spring training, that I felt like MIL was approaching '26 as a mail in year, waiting for the CBA results and biding time until the prospects arrive. They did nothing to markedly improve the offense on a 97 win team whose bats fell flat in the biggest moment last fall. It was a logical conclusion to me. I don't think that's changed. They are winning just like they did last year, with small ball, hustle and defense. Entertaining fans, putting butts in the seats with an air of hope. But they won't add a meaningful bat via a trade most likely. Maybe next couple of years after they know the ramifications of the new CBA, they would feel like they could be more aggressive. Talking and speculating about trades is entertaining regardless. 

[sveumrules]

41 minutes ago, Turning2 said:

I mentioned early, maybe in spring training, that I felt like MIL was approaching '26 as a mail in year,

Heisting Harrison plus Drohan & Hamilton too for Durbin and a Comp B pick was a pretty inspired move if they were just mailing it in.

It takes hundreds of people working hard and doing their jobs incredibly well for the Brewers to experience the kind of top to bottom organizational success they are having now for the fourth consecutive season (2nd most wins in MLB since 2023 with a brimming farm system behind it), a marked improvement over the already pretty successful 2017-22 stretch (7th most wins in MLB).

[Trax]

13 hours ago, TURBO said:

...or Jett to the outfield and Pena at 2B.

That leaves 1B open for Fischer, Burke and/or Adams.

 

Burke and Fischer are killing it and the team will need to make a decision on Adams.  Their deep farm clubs give them a bright future in a variety of ways, kudos to our front office.   At the same time I really like both Vaughn and Bauers at 1st, you see both being moved before they can walk?

[MilwaukeeBeers]

21 hours ago, Trax said:

All guys mentioned will require major comp.   

 

The only one that really intrigues me is the least likely, Bobby Witt Jr.

I know he's not available but if he were for the right return what would that return be?

Jett Williams, Brady Ebel, Luis Lara, Tyson Hardin and Jared Koenig?  

Too much?   Too little?

 

Brother try Made, Pena, Lara and, Fischer

[liveforoctober]

1 hour ago, sveumrules said:

Heisting Harrison plus Drohan & Hamilton too for Durbin and a Comp B pick was a pretty inspired move if they were just mailing it in.

It takes hundreds of people working hard and doing their jobs incredibly well for the Brewers to experience the kind of top to bottom organizational success they are having now for the fourth consecutive season (2nd most wins in MLB since 2023 with a brimming farm system behind it), a marked improvement over the already pretty successful 2017-22 stretch (7th most wins in MLB).

Nah Sveum you have to remember we are an unserious franchise only worried about making the stadium fun for families in the summer! Never serious about winning just being good enough to compete and keep the masses entertained.

(Partial blue so I don't have to explain it later)

[Trax]

26 minutes ago, MilwaukeeBeers said:

Brother try Made, Pena, Lara and, Fischer

You're likely spot on, I was just trying to avoid reality.  No way do I do that all things considered.

[Turning2]

2 hours ago, sveumrules said:

Heisting Harrison plus Drohan & Hamilton too for Durbin and a Comp B pick was a pretty inspired move if they were just mailing it in.

It takes hundreds of people working hard and doing their jobs incredibly well for the Brewers to experience the kind of top to bottom organizational success they are having now for the fourth consecutive season (2nd most wins in MLB since 2023 with a brimming farm system behind it), a marked improvement over the already pretty successful 2017-22 stretch (7th most wins in MLB).

Oh sure, they didn't bring the wheels to a halt. They kept building with the type of moves they typically make. In hindsight, the 6 player trade has worked out very well. I give them credit for that. But they definitely mailed it in regarding any significant offensive upgrade(s). By that standard, I'm not speaking of Schwarber type bats, but just another stick proven to be able to hit above .250 with 15-20 HRs. Instead, they brought in a cheap band aid / placeholder in Rengifo and a mild upgrade to Mona in Hamilton.

[sveumrules]

3 minutes ago, Turning2 said:

Oh sure, they didn't bring the wheels to a halt. They kept building with the type of moves they typically make. In hindsight, the 6 player trade has worked out very well. I give them credit for that. But they definitely mailed it in regarding any significant offensive upgrade(s). By that standard, I'm not speaking of Schwarber type bats, but just another stick proven to be able to hit above .250 with 15-20 HRs. Instead, they brought in a cheap band aid / placeholder in Rengifo and a mild upgrade to Mona in Hamilton.

Who would you have gone after for 3B/SS instead? Perusing the positional leaderboards I don't see many names that moved teams this offseason.

Doubt the Cardinals were trading Arenado or Donovan in the division. They could have signed proven 49 HR hitter Eugenio Suarez for a mere $15M but he's got a 78 wRC+ and -0.3 WAR so wouldn't have been much of an upgrade anyway.

I think a more realistic scenario than mailing it in is that they turned over a bunch of stones looking for a 3B/SS that was available at a reasonable price, found nothing, so instead decided to wait it out until the prospects are ready.

[Turning2]

40 minutes ago, sveumrules said:

Who would you have gone after for 3B/SS instead? Perusing the positional leaderboards I don't see many names that moved teams this offseason.

Doubt the Cardinals were trading Arenado or Donovan in the division. They could have signed proven 49 HR hitter Eugenio Suarez for a mere $15M but he's got a 78 wRC+ and -0.3 WAR so wouldn't have been much of an upgrade anyway.

I think a more realistic scenario than mailing it in is that they turned over a bunch of stones looking for a 3B/SS that was available at a reasonable price, found nothing, so instead decided to wait it out until the prospects are ready.

 I don't filter through every possible option on every roster. Front office gets paid bigly to take care of that. It wouldn't have had to be left side of infield. Perhaps sweeten the Boston trade and bring in Duran or Abreu. I was fine with Ortiz at SS knowing full well that his defense is what matters. 3B options I'm less familiar with who might have been an option. But I have no doubt there are options if you're willing to spend the one asset you have in abundance, which is prospect capital. With that said, I'm a hugger too, and wouldn't have wanted them to go too crazy on that end either.  I could see Jett Williams, Luis Pena being a happy medium prospect loss for immediate upgrade gain though for example. Maybe even a guy like Payne or Adamczewski. Package enough of those types of guys along with a maybe a low level pitching prospect and / or a guy like Ty Black, who really needs a legit shot somewhere... and you could swing a deal with somebody for somebody. I saw someone suggest a move now for the Twins' Brooks Lee. Might not be the worst thing. There has to be somebody who can provide a little more offense without a huge cost and contractual obligations. Had to be some options like that in the offseason. I think they're just content to compete enough to sell tickets, keep the fans hooked, and hoping that the new wave of messiah prospects are "all that and a case of beer."

[liveforoctober]

Duplicate post 

[Underachiever]

I know you were talking about improving the offense, but to say that a 97-win team last year, and a team on pace for 100 wins right now, is mailing it in, is just a bad take. The front office that can build that somehow is mailing it in according to you.

Damn, that's just insulting. And no, I don't work there, nor know anyone who does.

"I think they're just content to compete enough to sell tickets" made me laugh out loud.