Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Brewers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
We’re back with another Reacts Survey, and we’re asking fans if they’d like to see the Brewers make a splashy move or continue their “take bites of the apple” approach at this year’s trade deadline.
The Brewers’ last truly “splashy” move came way back in 2008, when the team traded
four prospects to Cleveland to get CC Sabathia. Sabathia then made 17 starts in less than three months, going 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA, 2.44 FIP, and 128 strikeouts over 130 2/3 innings, including seven complete games to help the Brewers sneak into the playoffs as the Wild Card.
Since then, the Brewers have made several smaller moves at just about every deadline, including the following moves in recent seasons under David Stearns/Matt Arnold:
- 2018: Acquired Mike Moustakas from the Royals, Joakim Soria from the White Sox, and Jonathan Schoop from the Orioles
- 2019: Acquired Jordan Lyles from the Pirates and Drew Pomeranz and Ray Black from the Giants; traded Jesús Aguilar to the Rays for Jake Faria
- 2020 (COVID-shortened season): Acquired David Phelps from the Phillies
- 2021: Acquired John Curtiss from the Marlins, Daniel Norris from the Tigers, and Eduardo Escobar from the D-backs
- 2022: Acquired Trevor Rosenthal from the Giants and Matt Bush from the Rangers; traded Josh Hader to the Padres for Taylor Rogers, Robert Gasser, Esteury Ruiz, and Dinelson Lamet
- 2023: Acquired Andrew Chafin from the D-backs, Mark Canha from the Mets, and Carlos Santana from the Pirates; traded Luis Urías to the Red Sox for Bradley Blalock
- 2024: Acquired Frankie Montas from the Reds, Nick Mears from the Rockies, Tyler Jay from the Mets, and Aaron Civale from the Rays
- 2025: Acquired Shelby Miller and Jordan Montgomery from the D-backs and Danny Jansen from the Rays; traded Nestor Cortes to the Padres for Brandon Lockridge
As you can see from that list, there are no mega-deals. The closest thing would be trading Josh Hader, which was big for the other team (the Padres) and more so seemed to just upset fans and even the clubhouse. With big trade candidates like Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, Casey Mize, Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan, and Aroldis Chapman (to only name a few) potentially available at the deadline, would you like to see the Brewers make a big move? Or would you rather they continue their “bites of the apple” approach?
Weigh in below and stay tuned for results later this week!
