Milwaukee Brewers interested in Patrick Corbin

PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 24: Starting pitcher Patrick Corbin
PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 24: Starting pitcher Patrick Corbin

Now that the Milwaukee Brewers have upgraded their outfield, their attention is turning towards the pitching staff.

It has been an active past few days for the Milwaukee Brewers. They have acquired Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain, upgrading their outfield production. According to reports, the Brewers have also made an offer to Yu Darvish, as they look to add a top of the rotation starter. They are certainly looking to take that next step and return to the postseason.

However, the Brewers are not content to just be waiting around for Darvish to either take or leave their offer. According to Jon Heyman, they have spoken with the Arizona Diamondbacks regarding a trade for starter Patrick Corbin, with talks having been “extensive.”

Although Corbin may not be the top of the rotation starter that the Brewers are seeking, he would be a solid asset. In 2017, Corbin posted a respectable 14-13 record, along with a 4.03 ERA and a 1.413 WHiP. In his 189.2 innings, Corbin struck out 178 batters while issuing only 61 walks, just missing a 3:1 K/BB rate.

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While he had a decent overall performance, Corbin found his stride after the All Star Break. From July 15 through the end of the season, he posted an 8-4 record, along with a 3.26 ERA and a 1.291 WHiP. In those 88.1 innings, Corbin struck out 83 batters while issuing 31 walks.

That is the type of pitcher that the Brewers would have to hope they are acquiring. While Corbin’s overall numbers point to a solid piece in the back of the rotation, his second half is more in line with an excellent third starter. As Milwaukee is already entering the 2018 season without Jimmy Nelson, adding a piece like Corbin could go a long way towards their hopes of contention.

If nothing else, the Brewers are serving notice that they do not plan on fading away. Their 2017 campaign was seen as a pleasant surprise, albeit one that may not be sustainable. Instead, Milwaukee sees that there is a potential opening in the National League Central, and are working towards extending their window of contention.

Next: Braun to first?

The Milwaukee Brewers have tried to light the hot stove on their own. As they look towards restocking their starting rotation, they may not be done.