MLB Insider Has Two Starting Pitching Options In Mind For Brewers

While a lot of Milwaukee Brewers fans might be clamoring for more punch in the offense, one of baseball's top insiders has identified another need for the Crew.

Playoff-caliber starting pitching, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. One of the reasons for needing starting pitching is the new shoulder injury to right-hander Brandon Woodruff, while right-hander Logan Henderson just returned Thursday from a stay on the injured list with a back issue.

As Passan sorts through all of the contenders, he made two choices for each club. One was a best-match trade addition, the other was a dream pickup.

The best match, Passan says, is the Brewers connecting with their old front-office boss David Stearns with the New York Mets and acquiring right-handed starter Clay Holmes. Having recently returned from a broken right leg 2.39 ERA (3.19 FIP) in 52⅔ innings with an 8.4% walk rate and 20.9% strikeout rate. But it is Holmes' experience as a postseason reliever in 2021, 2022 and 2024 that could help push the Crew over the top. Holmes also fits financially as he is making $12 million this year and $13 million next year.

But in a dream scenario, the Brewers would grab Minnesota Twins right-handed starter Joe Ryan. Ryan has ace qualities that would pair very nicely with Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, the MLB leader in strikeouts (167) and ERA (1.62). Ryan has a 2.65 ERA (2.83 FIP) in 19 starts, having already logged 104⅓ innings. Ryan has a 5.4% walk rate and 28.8% strikeout rate. Ryan, making $6.1 million this year, would be more of a rental as he has a mutual option for 2027. Mutual options are almost always declined.

The Brewers certainly have the prospects to get either deal done.