A new team appears to be a factor in the trade speculation surrounding Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal.
The Milwaukee Brewers are poised to take an “aggressive” approach to the trade deadline, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. The team has checked in on both Skubal and San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller as they seek out potential upgrades.
The Brewers probably cannot get both players, though they do have a deep farm system to deal from. The club boasts two prospects ranked among baseball’s top 20, including No. 1 prospect Jesus Made. The team’s stance, however, appears to be that they will not empty the farm system just for a rental player like Skubal.
The Brewers have traditionally been one of the more conservative teams at the trade deadline. Four years ago, they traded Josh Hader while still in contention, a move that devastated clubhouse morale. This time, Milwaukee appears to have no plans to try to have it both ways and build long-term while still having a short-term chance to make the playoffs.
Entering play Thursday, the Brewers sit at 64-38 and first in the NL Central. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers have won more games this season.
