As has become common in recent years, all of the Milwaukee Brewers trade rumors in 2023 revolve around the Brewers trying to improve over time instead of selling off pieces.
Some have speculated that several Brewers players may be available by the deadline. But all news from the Milwaukee Brewers indicates that they will be buyers.
The Brewers are aiming before the 2023 lockout
The Brewers are currently in a tight race with the Reds for the NL Central. It could be a tight race until the end of the season, with no guarantee that Milwaukee will secure a spot unless the Brewers finish ahead of Cincinnati.
So who are the Brewers trade targets that could help them win a division title? Let’s review the latest news and rumors surrounding the 2023 Milwaukee Brewers trade and take a look at the players Milwaukee could target in deals before the trade deadline.
Brad Keller
It might be asking too much for the Brewers to trade for a high-profile starting pitcher. What they need more than anything else is Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta consistently on the front line. That being said, it wouldn’t hurt to add a little more depth to the rotation.
With Brad Keller expected to return from IL soon, he could be a good fit for the Brewers. He’s extremely young for a pitcher who will be a free agent this winter, which means the Royals will be ready to part ways with him. The Brew Crew doesn’t have to spend a lot of money to trade for him, while Keller could provide a little cap for their rotation in the long run.
brad hand
Even with a $7 million club option for next season, the Rockies may decide to trade Brad Hand in time. The veteran isn’t having his best season, but the Colorado pitching could do that to a pitcher.
Not that the Brewers will need him as a closer. He would just give them another opportunity to use him late in games. As a lefty with postseason experience, Hand fits Milwaukee’s needs well.
Carlos Santana
In 2023, there will likely be plenty of rumors of a Brewers trade involving first basemen. With Darin Ruf and Rowdy Tellez in the IL, the Brewers need someone, making Carlos Santana an option.
As a 37-year-old, Santana has played a lot of games at first base for the Pirates this season. He can also hit a little and still provides the threat of power even if he is not the same hitter he was a few years ago. At this point, the Brewers need a warm body at first base, especially with Brian Anderson moving to the IL and Owen Miller being asked to fill multiple positions. Santana may not be the ideal trade target, but it is an option.
Mark Canha
The Mets aren’t going anywhere, which should put Mark Canha on Milwaukee’s radar. Aside from Christian Yelich, the Brewers have gotten almost no offense from their home field this season. Canha could help solve that issue as he’s had a solid year despite his reduced playing time.
Not only can Canha fill both corner outfield spots, but he can also play some minor league baseball, making him even more attractive to the Brewers.
Adam Duvall
When the Brewers need an outfielder, Adam Duvall provides one of the best answers available. At 34 years old, he is having perhaps the best season of his career for the Red Sox. In addition to a productive year, Duvall has also accumulated valuable playoff experience in recent years. That makes it an ideal matchup for the Brewers.
The only downside is that Milwaukee doesn’t have many lefties to partner with Duvall other than Raimel Tapia. But based on his 2023 numbers, Duvall could play in Milwaukee’s outfield almost every day.
CJ Cron
Among the first cellars, CJ Cron is among the best options available. To the Rockies’ credit, they acquired him at a bargain price and will have a chance to trade him after a productive season and a half in Colorado.
As mentioned, the Brewers need a first baseman, a void that Cron can fill for them. He doesn’t carry the power he’s shown over the past two seasons. But given her injuries, Cron would certainly be an upgrade on Milwaukee’s current options at first base.
Cody Bellinger
It won’t be easy for the Brewers to convince the rival Cubs to trade Cody Bellinger, even if he’s just a loanee. Still, he checks off most of the boxes that Milwaukee needs far more than some other Brewers trade destinations.
First, he’s a former MVP and a postseason hero. He’s also putting together the best season he’s had since winning the MVP award in 2019. More importantly, Bellinger can play both first base and center field, allowing him to fill Milwaukee’s need at either position.
If the Brewers find an adjustment at one of those positions down the road, Bellinger could easily be reassigned. It would also put a second left-handed pitcher behind Yelich that could do some damage and change the entire look of Milwaukee’s lineup. He may not be an easy trade, but he would be a great addition for the Brewers until the final day.
