Why Brewers Targeted Lance McCullers Jr. and Colton Gordon

The Milwaukee Brewers’ Unconventional Approach to the Trade Deadline

The Milwaukee Brewers have always been a team that defies expectations, especially when it comes to their approach to trades and the trade deadline. Under the leadership of President of Baseball Operations Matt Arnold, the Brewers often take creative routes that surprise even the most seasoned analysts. This year’s acquisition of Lance McCullers Jr. and Colton Gordon is no exception.

A Surprising Move

McCullers, currently on the injured list, and Gordon, a depth rotation arm still finding his footing in the majors, don’t exactly fit the typical profile of players that teams target during the trade deadline. Most teams look for established, healthy, and high-performing players. However, the Brewers seem to have other plans.

The reason behind this move lies in the Brewers’ strong farm system. With one of the best minor league systems in baseball, the Brewers have the resources to acquire any player they want without sacrificing too many prospects. Instead of trading away their top talent, they prefer to keep their prospects close and make deals that don’t require giving up significant capital.

This strategy isn’t new. It echoes last year’s Shelby Miller/Jordan Montgomery trade, where the Brewers acquired Miller for the bullpen while taking on Montgomery, an injured player, to avoid giving up prospects.

Focusing on Value

In this latest deal, the real target seems to be Colton Gordon. He has an option year remaining and five years of team control, which is highly valuable for the Brewers, especially with their already deep pitching staff. Gordon is also healthy, and his pitch mix and delivery align well with what the Brewers have historically developed successfully.

Gordon throws in the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball and possesses a high-spin slider and curveball, both of which are qualities the Brewers’ pitching lab values. His potential makes him an attractive addition, even if he hasn’t yet proven himself at the major league level.

Lance McCullers, on the other hand, is a more controversial pick. While he could have been a massive acquisition five years ago, injuries have derailed his career. However, the Brewers believe he can help fill the gap in their rotation, especially with Brandon Woodruff on the 60-day IL and other starters dealing with injuries.

Addressing Rotation Depth

The Brewers have faced recent challenges with their starting pitching. Woodruff recently went on the 60-day IL, Kyle Harrison was placed on the IL with forearm tightness, and Jacob Misiorowski, who has carried a heavy workload, is getting extra rest after his last start due to fatigue. The team needs reliable arms to get through the final stretch of the season.

By acquiring McCullers and Gordon, the Brewers have added two pitchers who could potentially shore up their rotation depth. The cost? A relatively low price in terms of prospect capital. Jadyn Fielder, a son of Brewers legend Prince Fielder, was traded. While he holds sentimental value, he hasn’t shown much as a prospect, hitting .233 in Low-A with limited power.

Balancing Risk and Reward

While some may question the risk involved in acquiring McCullers, who is on the verge of returning from a rehab assignment, the Brewers see it as a calculated move. They’ve seen similar situations before, like the 2022 trade for Trevor Rosenthal, which didn’t pan out. However, McCullers is already making rehab starts and could join the rotation soon.

The Brewers know that having enough rotation depth is crucial, especially if they hope to compete against the Dodgers in the playoffs. Adding two more arms gives them a better chance of maintaining that depth.

Now, the big question remains: how much more will the Brewers add before the deadline? Their unconventional approach has worked in the past, and with their strong farm system, they’re in a unique position to make smart, strategic moves.