The Brewers already made one significant free agent acquisition this winter, snagging backstop Yasmani Grandal on a one-year arrangement when he failed to find a multi-year deal to his liking. It seems the organization is still eyeing some additional potential targets, according to a report from Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Twitter links).
Most intriguingly, Haudricourt says that he’s heard of at least some connection between the club and veteran southpaw Dallas Keuchel, who’s the best free-agent starter still on the open market. Fellow lefty Gio Gonzalez is also an apparent possibility, as is third baseman Mike Moustakas. Both of those players, of course, spent the back end of the 2018 campaign in Milwaukee.
As Haudricourt points out, all three of the aforementioned players are clients of Scott Boras. The super-agent has seemingly struck up a chummy relationship with Brewers owner Mark Attanasio over the years. Indeed, they were able to line up on a rare extension of a star Boras client (Carlos Gomez).
Of course, that sort of connection will only go so far, particularly since Attanasio has relied heavily upon the judgment of recently promoted president of baseball operations David Stearns. To this stage in his tenure, Stearns has eschewed large pitching entanglements.
A large and lengthy deal for Keuchel, then, would be especially surprising. Still, it would make some sense for the organization not only to seek a rotation upgrade, but to target a lefty starter in particular. Virtually all of the team’s rotation or long-relief options throw from the right side. Though the bullpen includes two valuable southpaws (Josh Hader and Alex Claudio), skipper Craig Counsell could gain some additional game management possibilities if he can run a southpaw out to start every fifth day.
The Brewers already proved willing to take that sort of thinking to the extreme when they sent out lefty Wade Miley to pitch to just one batter during the fifth game of the National League Championship Series. Interestingly, despite a bounceback campaign last year, Miley himself does not seem to have been targeted to this point for a reunion. The 32-year-old did not exactly have the peripherals to support his 2.57 ERA, but he rewarded the Brewers for the opportunities they were willing to give him and it seemed reasonable to anticipate the team would have some interest.
It’ll certainly be interesting to see whether Stearns has any more tricks up his sleeves this winter. While the team’s rise to the NL Central title last year has certainly raised the bar in Milwaukee, projection systems are not exactly enamored of the present roster. The middle infield unit is a less-than-inspiring bunch, at least on paper, while the rotation is more notable for its depth than its evident upside. Though there is no clearly dominant team in the division, it seems to be competitive from top to bottom. While the organization likely remains optimistic with the current batch of players, it stands to reason that Stearns is still working on potential additions.
They should maybe think about getting a 2B
They have Hiura really close. Maybe even just an “extra year of control” stint at AAA away, if he has a decent Spring. They have cheap internal & external options until then. Crappy, but cheap. Good enough in the short term.
Yeah I mean crappy might be a little harsh. Probably more like league average especially with platooning. 2B has gotten a lot of chatter this offseason but I agree they’re fine going with what they have.
I would rather focus on the rotation than second. I think they have enough to get by with Perez, Spangenberg, and Saladino. I like Saladino alot. Was excellent when Arcia went down, until he got hurt of course..
Saladino is just like Sogard. A small sample size where he performed way above they player he is for a small time.
But is the pirate beard cooler than nerd glasses
time will tell. it’s a shame that Schoop was such a train wreck with the crew. now we are kind of stuck. idk who else fits? harrison? marwin gonzalez is going to want a multi year deal it seems, and with the rise of Doubon and Hiura, I dont see the crew pulling the trigger on that.
Dead on, fallout from the bad Schoop trade and prospects knocking at the door.
Saladino was a much better prospect than Sogard and had a pretty productive year in Chicago in 2016. His biggest problem has been staying healthy. I still don’t think he’s a guy you want to run out every day, bit I think he’s a much better player than Sogard.
If they gave Miley & Gio 2 year deals, they could probably get (and afford) both – although Boras might make that more difficult. Pushes younger guys back to the pen, 2 lefty starters, no long term entanglements. They cannot get Keuchel on a short deal, barring a Moustakas-like disaster in his market. I don’t expect that.
Miley and Gio aren’t that much better, if at all, than any of the internal options. Chacin, Anderson, Nelson with Burnes, Davies, Peralta and Woodruff for the other 2.
Keuchel is a definite upgrade. the question is, can they get a 2 or 3 year deal, which is sounding like his market currently. Depends on how big Attanasio wants to open the wallet to win. As a Brewer, I am loving him as an owner so far.
Agree with all of this, but if they can make room and get either cheap enough, they would add a fair amount of flexibility to how the staff is used. That’s absolutely something of value.
True, not a huge upgrade, but they’re left handed. That was more my point. But it doesn’t really matter anyway, now. Miley to Astros. I think I was right to think he was cheap enough (and a 2 year deal would have trumped the Astros). Oh well.
Yep.
i don’t understand the need for a lefty as a starter. teams don’t plan regular season games around pitchers like that and they can run out a righty for 4 innings in the postseason then bullpen it.
id take upside of Woodruff, Burnes and Peralta over Gio personally. hopefully Anderson returns to 2017 and Jimmy returns to form after a year off.
supplement with MadBum at the deadline when the Giants are out if you want to upgrade the rotation.
think the crew will try and package up thames and anderson? thames is making like 6-7 mil I believe. Plus, anderson had a miserable 2018 season. both were left off the postseason roster for a reason. just don’t see them as long term assets for this team.
Ah, to get what though? They would basically just be getting rid of the salary and don’t really have anyone to fill the roster spots
Thames might be movable but i don’t see Anderson being moved right now. He made 30 starts last year and held an ERA under 4. night terrible in Miller Park. he had over 4 WAR with a 2.74 ERA in 2017. Hopefully he is more 2017 but even every other season in his career has been worth 1 WAR, which is worth something. unless they get Kuchel, no need to move Anderson
The Brewers really need to add more. Grandal was a good get…but they shouldnt stop there. Kuechel would be optimal…The window isnt open all that much and this could be the last chance to get through. Unless a young arm really blossoms…even adding Kuechel should be supplimented with one more signing. Id bring Gio back. Best track record.
We have 3 young arms that I think most people would describe as “ready to really blossom”. Keuchel seems like a good fit, and Gio or Miley could be good additions to give more options to the staff, but I don’t think we need to add per se.
after watching them in the postseason, yeah I agree. they are ready to blossom. but you never know with young guys. out of woodruff burnes and peralta, who do you see as a starter?
Burnes seems like the surest bet to me. With how the Brewers use the pen – avoiding 3rd time through the order – I think the other two could make it as well, but I think Burnes has the most pitch variety.
out of those 3 burnes is for sure my favorite. all have great stuff. what they did against the dodgers and rockies in the playoffs was very impressive.
Burnes definitely. if Peralta could get more consistent I really like him too. woodruff was meh outside his postseason
Peralta has the highest ceiling.
Disagree. Peralta relies too much on deception and can be a bit erratic, not sure he ever gets above a 3 or 4 at best. Burnes has stuff and knows how to pitch better than most guys his age. I think he has the highest ceiling for sure. Woodruff to me seems like a guy who’s stuff works besylt in short bursts and doesn’t extend pitch counts well. See him as more of a back of the bullpen guy.
This seems right to me. Woodruff and Peralta both could be starters but might be best (and arguably are already very good) as relievers. Maybe they develop additional pitches, but a Hader-lite role is probably a good expectation of their floors, in my opinion.
“While the organization likely remains optimistic with the current batch of players, then, it stands to reason that Stearns is still working on potential addition”
This doesn’t make much sense, having both “while” and “then”. Pretty sure you don’t need “then” at all.
A sensible edit.
Yes please to Dallas keuchel! He would instantly be our ace. I also think bring Gio back has advantages if he would be ok being a long relief / 6th starter.
At least the Brewers keep trying to improve!! The Cardinals president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, says he’s not adding anyone else. Mozeliak actually said “It would make things very complicated to acquire any other players. Too much competition going on as it is!!” Is that not an asinine thing to say by any front office person? Well….Here comes another first place finish under Mozeliak’s guidance.
Ha! I mean 4th place finish!!!!
We add Goldy for peanuts, and people still complain. I don’t get it. The Brewers fan below even says StL “did some good things.” Every position is pretty much set already.
Don’t fret over cardinal17…he is the biggest Debbie downer out there
Peanuts? Would say az wins that trade in the long run.
Unless the Cards win the WS this year then AZ definitely wins that trade in the long run.
The Crew came so clise last year I don’t think Stearns is done. St Louis and Cincinnati did some good things to improve so the NL Central champs need to improve a little more than only Grandal. I think Stearns is either going to land a solid starter or a solid infielder. I sure hope he does
Last year was a one off. Lightning in a bottle never happens twice. 3rd place on tap in Milwaukee.
Nice one off statement. Back it up or go back to your hole
Ah, twentyforty. Lets hope that’s the next year the Cubs make the playoffs! FTC
Brewers should get Keuchel and Gio? With what, monopoly money? I’d love to get Keuchel and while I think it’s a stretch, I won’t put it past Stearns to get it done somehow and dump some other salary. Still, not holding my breath.
As for Gio or Miley not being any better than Chacin, Burnes, etc, we all know that except we DO need a lefty in the rotation. Besides, Anderson is coming off a year giving up 30 HR’s and he gave up 28 in 2016! Davies is a pitch to contact guy …..yikes. I’ll take Miley, better yet, see if you can get Gio on the cheap.
I love the idea of Kuechel and Gio, just wonder if the cash is there??
The money is there is Attanasio approves it. He has the funds to open the wallet, the new naming rights deal kicks in extra income after next season, and a new TV deal is coming soon (thank God cause their media deal is awful). With Braun coming off the books soon it’s all up to Mark opening the pocketbook for a season or two.
I think they are probably trying to get him to bite on a Grandal-like $38M over 2 years or $22M for one. Small market teams can’t take the risk of a 4-6 year contract on a pitcher. They’ve been burned too many times.
There’s some stuff out there Crew offering three years. I think they probably have a three year 66 million on the table
That’s a stretch for the Crew, but it does cover their contention window. Is he the pitcher you bet on though? I’d sure feel better if it was a real ace in a trade if they throw they’re marbles at one pitcher. He does kinda feel like the Brewer type though, if there is such a thing.
It’s a great question. I really like Kuechel but look at Miley last year. They paid peanuts for some wonderful pitching outings from Miley. It’s all a crap shoot. Clearly they could bring back Miley and Gio for less than Kuechel. They say Crew still in in Kluber also
Actually seems that Kluber to the Brewers is gaining steam, although still unlikely. MLB.com is reporting they still have MadBum on the back burner too. While none of the 3 seem likely to me, I wouldn’t be surprised if one of those deals came into place.
I don’t see how the Brewers have what the Indians need in a trade for Kluber, They don’t have a young outfielder that is ready for 2019. That is Cleveland’s biggest need. Don’t tell me Corey Ray. He is not ready and does not have the star power to be the major piece in a trade for Kluber, The Brewers would have to trade pitching from their major league club likely Burnes or Woodruff to make a trade interesting to Cleveland. I just don’t see them as a fit in a trade for Kluber. Besides, latest reports are that a trade is unlikely unless they are bowled over.
I’ll pull the trigger on Ray, Wood, and don’t be surprised if Perez wouldn’t be sought after. Thames or a mid/lower level prospect would have to come close to getting it sone.Ray is blocked, Love wood, think he has 3 type stuff, Dubon is Perez with more controllable years.even if Thames doesn’t appeal as a stop gap due to cost, make it two mid/low level prospects. Kluber will play up in the no, even in the central and miller park. We have to be willing to pay for a controllable ace.
Indians have actually already even said we match up well to what they covet.
I am sure that the Brewers contacted the Indians not the other way around. Thames and Perez as pieces? Would you trade Kluber for another teams bench pieces if he was a Brewer? Give me a break. Three years of an ACE pitcher is worth more than a team’s bench pieces and low level prospects. Provide a link showing that they covet certain Brewers. I believe the Brewers covet Kluber, J.P. Morosi is so out of touch on Cleveland’s needs. He keeps mentioning that Cleveland wants a center fielder. In fact what they need is a corner outfielder.
It has been reported that the Indians are looking for a Chris Sale like package. Is Ray, Woodruff, Thames or Perez, and a lower prospect a Sale package, I know that it is not. Also it has also been reported that now it is unlikely that Kluber is traded unless they are ‘overwhelmed” I find the package above very underwhelming.
I think Perez or Thames would be holdover pieces, not to be considered the meat of the deal, since both can play OF till Ray is ready. Note that I’m using “play OF” loosely with Thames.
So it would be like one of those guys, Ray, and then the real pieces would be Woodruff/Peralta and Hiura who’s top ~20 overall prospect and easily our best. Something like that. Still dunno if that gets it done but that’s the kind of package I’ve seen proposed.
I’m pretty doubtful it happens as well, and I’d be ok with that.
That would be a better package, but that does not help Cleveland in 2019. I still think that the Indians match up with other teams better than the Brewers. I’d be ok with a trade only if I can see that it doesn’t hurt 2019, yet helps in 2020 and beyond. I am also doubtful a trade happens. .
That kinda trade is going to be hard to come by if you’re giving up an ace pitcher with 3 years of control. You’re giving up too good of a player get the immediate return as well as strong prospects.
Well actually, maybe check with the Marlins.
It would be closer is the main prospect in the trade was major league ready and their was a pitcher involved that can compete in MLB. The Brewers have the pitcher, but not the prospect as Hiura is not ready. The Brewers also do not have the MLB ready outfielder that the Indians are looking for.
Miley signs with Astros for 4.5 million. Brewers after Keuchel or Gio.
We had Gio. Not exactly impressed. I feel like you plug a young kid in the rotation before you sign a guy for his price and average ability.
IMO, the Brewers should keep their powder dry and save the cash for a deadline acquisition(s). Injuries and underperformance are inevitable for every team. The little cash they have remaining should be used for acquisitions of players performing well at the deadline @ positions of need (which ultimately might not be a current position of need).
As a. In fan my great fear is Hader turning into a starter. Seems like a no-brained.
I think that ship has sailed, but I’m not sure that’s a good thing for Cubs fans. That’s also part of the reason I think Gio could be more valuable than he may appear at first.
If you have multiple guys who can come in and give you critical innings (multiple at times) that seems like it was a difference maker for us last year. I like Woodruff , Peralta, and especially Burnes as starters – or Hader for that matter – but if we’re really more expecting ~5 steady innings from most starts, rather than 7-8, I’m really warming up to the value of the fireman role.
Way too valuable in his role. I don’t think WAR is actually able to measure being able to tip the scales in high leverage situations when you need to clear a certain part of the lineup at various points in the game.
I agree, but the thing is, I think any of those 4 guys could be really good in that role. They’re not all going to do it though (well, at least during the regular season right?), and I’m not sure where everyone ends up, since all 4 of them could possibly be quality starters too, you know?
That should say as a Cub fan…
Brewers don’t have a young guy lefty to plug in. Yes, you need a lefty in the rotation.
Rumor has it that the Astros were offering Dallas a two year contract with an option while the Brewers were offering a three year deal. Maybe with the Miley signing the Astros are done with Dallas and now this opens it up for the Brewers as they seem to be the only teams that had offers out. We will see I guess.
Call me crazy, but I would take Gio over Dallas if he is a lot cheaper, which he should be. Gio’s stats are just as good as Dallas in the past two years, and I would say even better than Dallas over the course of his career. In 2017 Dallas 14-5 with 2.90ERA, 145 innings, 125 K’s 47 base on balls, and a 1.19 Whip. Gio 15-9 with 2.96 ERA, 201 innings, 188 K’s 79 base on balls, and a 1.17 whip. In 2018 Dallas was only slightly better than Gio. Dallas: 12-11 with 3.74 ERA, 204 innings 153 K’s, and 58 base on balls, and a whip of 1.3 whip. Gio was 10-11 with a 4.21 ERA over 171 innings, 148 k’s and 80 Base on Balls, with a 1.44 whip. I know Dallas has the bigger name out there, but part of that is because Houston won a World Series in the last two years. I believe both of their stats will be very comparable this year, so why not go with the cheaper option, plu Gio has already put in time with the team already? Just putting in my two cents for what it’s worth!
I like everything you have said but the one difference that I believe Stearns and company are debating is this. Does Dallas Kuechel have one more elite season in his arm? Its true that on the average he and Gio look similar, but Dallas has a slightly better chance at having one more big year and will it be enough to pay up for.
I won’t call you crazy, but I don’t think you watched Gio pitch much last year. There is just nothing special there. He’s kind of a nibbler with no out pitch. Pretty much what the Brewers have had for a while. They need strike throwers. Let the defense do it’s job.
Dallas is a grinder who can relieve a bullpen every 5-10 days. Geo is not a guy I see getting past the 5-6 inning too often. We need a guy that can pitch deep into the game as much as we need a lefty. Thought we’d bring Miley back honestly but now I’ll hope for Dallas.
I feel like gio is basically the same guy the Brewers always have in the rotation. Kyle loshe, Randy wolf, Matt Garza, and who was it before…I don’t recall
You’re probably thinking of Jeff Suppan. All very similar as you stated. Gallardo was the same after he lost a few mph on his fastball. Then his curve lost its bite and he became just another nibbler, always aiming for the corners to try and avoid contact, but couldn’t get that strikeout anymore. It’s more than just pure speed; it’s about changing speeds and deception to keep the batter guessing.
That’s a bit harsh on Lohse, Gallardo, and Wolf. They had very productive years and then fell off rather quickly.
Garza and Suppan… *shudder*
Yes suppan! thanks. lohse and wolf had one good year followed by two bad years. all those guys were on three year deals (except Garza was four I think) and they all went the same pattern, was so frustrating.
I won’t throw Gallardo into that group because he was pretty good for a long while, but yeah he completely fell off suddenly too.