Brewers Video
After the Milwaukee Brewers acquired William Contreras, one major item of need was checked off the list. As the free agent rumor mill continues to churn and signings have been filing in, there are a few more logical places for the Brewers to add talent to their roster. Here is an attempt to play matchmaker in a few areas of the roster.
Bullpen Help
For any team considering a playoff run, the bullpen is where teams always look for more quality arms. The front office has collected a plethora of arms in two of the trades completed this winter, but a lack of assured quality is present. (If certainty can be a thing regarding bullpen arms.) It will certainly be interesting if the Brewers continue to feel secure about Devin Williams as their closer or if they would like to bring in someone else to either supplant him or push him back to the primary setup role.
The big name is Craig Kimbrel, who spent 2022 in Los Angeles pitching for the Dodgers. Currently, at age 34, Kimbrel now has age and mileage concerns attached to him. This past season, there was a drop in his strikeout and K-rates, only to add fuel to those concerns. Even with that in consideration, he still put up a 3.75 ERA paired with a slightly less encouraging 4.04 xFIP.
Of course, if Williams is the closer going forward, there are potentially a lot of setup or 6th and 7th-inning guys available that would lengthen the Brewers 'bullpen. Michael Fulmer, Trevor May, and Andrew Chafin are among the names that could fit into that sort of role for the Brewers, and their market may be on the cusp of getting some traction in the coming weeks.
Brandon Drury
The Brewers have seen both Wong and Jace Peterson land on other rosters this offseason, and while there are guys on the roster ready to replace them, there could still be interest in bringing someone in. Brandon Drury could make sense in large part due to his flexibility. He can play second and third base and venture to the corner outfield if needed.
Drury is coming off his best offensive season after hitting .263/.320/.492, a .813 OPS, and 28 home runs. All buyers should beware of potentially buying Drury at his high point, but if the 2022 version is real, he could provide insurance for Brice Turang if he struggles, as well as Luis Urias.
Drury’s presence would also allow Abraham Toro to stay at Triple-A for development. Something that could help maximize the centerpiece of the return from the Mariners for Wong. Drury would also provide further infield depth just in case the Brewers were blown away by an offer for Willy Adames. Someone other teams will call on if they are left without a chair in the game of musical chairs that the free agent shortstops have created this offseason.
Adam Duvall
After the trade of Hunter Renfroe, there is still room for the addition of another outfielder. Adam Duvall is a guy who has spent the last several seasons as a valuable role player for Atlanta Braves. He has been a fringe starter but is a threat to hit for power when put in the right situation. Over Duvall’s career, he has had even platoon numbers, although this past season, he produced much better numbers against left-handers than right-handers.
There may not be much reason to sign a Duvall-type outfielder other than he would help establish a “floor” for the quality of players in the Brewers outfield. While establishing a floor, he hasn’t been good enough, nor should he be expensive enough, to truly block playing time from young guys like Tyrone Taylor, Sal Frelick, or Joey Wiemer. Due to the presence of those three, someone like Duvall would seemingly be a lower priority than other needs. The addition of Contreras' bat also lessens the pressure on one of those young outfielders to produce immediately.
Think you could write a story like this? Brewer Fanatic wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.
MORE FROM BREWER FANATIC
— Latest Brewers coverage from our writers
— Recent Brewers discussion in our forums
— Follow Brewer Fanatic via Twitter, Facebook or email
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.