Six NL Central Trades the Brewers Should Target

As the two teams fighting for the NL Central crown in 2022, the Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals will not be making a trade. But there should be an open dialogue with Milwaukee for the other three clubs in various stages of rebuilding, reorganizing, or reimagining their rosters. The supposed fear intradivisional teams have in trading with one another is that whichever players you send away, they will haunt you over and over again. It makes sense, but shouldn't the essential question be, "How do I acquire the best talent I am looking for?" Especially if the player is a rental or not in your long-term plans, who cares?

With the understanding that an NL Central swap is less likely to happen or that the Brewers would need to "pay a premium" in talent to strike a deal, the three non-contenders each have a couple of intriguing players who would bolster a World Series run.

CHICAGO CUBS
Dream option:  Ian Happ (OF, 2B, 3B) - .289/.387/.467/.854
The switch-hitting 27-year-old is precisely what this Brewers' offense needs. His high on-base skills alone would be perfect for the top of the lineup, but Happ also brings pop to the plate. He hit 25 HR last season and owns a career-best 139 OPS+ this year. Happ has hit better against righties in his career but has destroyed lefties this season, too, posting a .958 OPS. Happ's terrific OBP is the most desirable part to me, especially putting him in front of the Brewers' big bats.

He primarily plays the corner outfield spots but has plenty of experience playing second and third base. Happ would be a great fit for how the Brewers play matchups and gain platoon advantages every night (for example, playing left field versus righties instead of Andrew McCutchen). Happ is under control through 2023 and is currently making $6.85 million through arbitration. Chicago's willingness to trade him will depend on if they see him as a part of their next competitive window and how much teams are willing to offer.

Realistic option: Mychal Givens (RHP) - 4.21 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 11.6 K/9
Most trades in the David Stearns era are on the "underwhelming" side when the Brewers identify a player that can improve under their tutelage and fit a need. Givens would be that acquisition and wouldn't cost much in player capital. Milwaukee will need reinforcements for its bullpen, and Givens provides experience with a certain level of success.

His 102 ERA+ doesn't jump out at you, and he will walk a few guys (4.9 BB/9), but he shows flashes of brilliance each season. He posted a 144 ERA+ (44% above league average) in 51 innings last season and is striking out 11.6 batters per nine innings in 2022. 

Givens is making $3.5 million and has a mutual option for next season with a $1.5 million buyout. That would give the Brewers flexibility with how they move forward as well.

CINCINNATI REDS
Dream option: Brandon Drury (2B, 3B, OF) - .267/.331/.512/.842
Drury's name might not spark thoughts of a dream acquisition, but he certainly would be based on his 2022 production. With 14 HR and an .842 OPS, Drury would slide nicely into Milwaukee's lineup. Some may argue he is a product of Cincy's bandbox of a ballpark, but six of his homers have come on the road.

One key is Drury's mashing of left-handed pitching the past two seasons. Though it's been in limited plate appearances (96), he has slugged .634 against southpaws with a .947 OPS and .399 wOBA.

Drury also fills the role of utility man (like Happ), though he is an infielder first. Considering different injury risks and ineffectiveness around the diamond, Drury would be a solid piece. He is on a one-year, $700,000 contract.

Realistic option: Tyler Naquin (OF) - .255/.315/.460/.775
Naquin's slash line isn't an attention-grabber, but it tops a handful of Brewers. He is currently on the IL with a quad injury, though he should be ready in a couple of weeks. Naquin has always shown promise with the bat, posting an .809 OPS with 19 HR and 70 RBI in 454 plate appearances last season. The true value will come when facing right-handed pitching.

Since the start of 2021, Naquin is slugging .512 against righties with a .361 wOBA. In those 498 plate appearances, he has 22 HR and 33 doubles. Again, he would be ideal for playing LF or DH against righties instead of McCutchen. Naquin is only under contract this season, but if he is healthy in the second half, his bat would play well in Milwaukee.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Dream option: Bryan Reynolds (OF) - .254/.330/.442/.771
The 27-year-old got off to a slow start this season, but he has been phenomenal since May 17 (.306/.358/.537/.895). Reynolds is an MVP type of player who would transform the Brewers' offense ten-fold. Reports said Milwaukee tried to trade for him last season, but Pittsburgh understandably wanted a king's ransom. Moving to Milwaukee would have a similar impact as Christian Yelich did in 2018 and 2019.

Reynolds is an average center fielder defensively, though no one would care if he continued to rake. The switch-hitter put up a 146 OPS+ last season (.302/.390/.522/.912) with 24 HR, 35 doubles, 93 runs, and 90 RBI for a lousy offense.

Since he is under team control through 2026, the Pirates don't appear to be in a rush to move him anymore. They need to decide if his price tag will be too high or if his skills might diminish too much when Pittsburgh is ready to compete. If that is a concern, the Pirates could reconsider trading him for higher-level prospects prepared to make the MLB jump shortly.

Realistic option: Jose Quintana (LHP) - 3.66 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 7.7 K/9
The Brewers killer is a far cry from Reynolds in terms of impact; of course, that makes him more easily attainable. Quintana's strikeout rate is down, but he has also been better at limiting homers and walks than in recent seasons. He wouldn't be expected to be an ace, just effective enough.

Depending on Aaron Ashby's status, Quintana can fill a hole in the rotation or be the multi-inning guy Ashby has often been. Milwaukee could even use Quintana as part of a piggyback strategy with someone like Adrian Houser to utilize matchups, save the bullpen, and give opponents a different look.

The 33-year-old would be a rental, so his trade value shouldn't be too high. However, plenty of teams could be in the market for a somewhat reliable, veteran arm to use down the stretch. As is often the case, the team that acts quickest has the best chance at a quality deal.
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One must believe the Brewers will make at least a move or two. Will they pull off a swap within their division? How much are they willing to give up to bring back the guys they want? Some would argue Milwaukee doesn't have enough elite talent in the farm system to get Reynolds or Happ. That may be true, but every player and team has a price. Those two are easily the most talented discussed here and would easily cost the most. The other four possibilities are within the Brewers' grasp.

So would the Brewers be down for trading away significant future talent for one of the best options or make the smaller moves to fill holes? If the other NL Central teams are willing to haggle, there's no reason at least one of the players mentioned above wouldn't end up in Milwaukee. What would you do?