By selling earlier, the team who receives our player get more starts, more at bats, more innings pitched, essentially more wins (or WAR). Because of this, the Brewers could and should be able to demand more of a return. Also gives them leverage to wait if they aren't getting a worthy offer as the deadline isn't forcing their feet to the fire. Hypothetically this is true...realistically I don't know if it really works this way. If it did I think a lot of teams would sell early, but almost nothing happens before mid July. Even the Cubs and Astros the past couple years waited till the end. Without looking back, I assume the Cubs and Stros' didnt start the season at 4-18 and become 10 games back of a playoff spot before the end of April.