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NL Central: Top needs for each team at the MLB Trade Deadline

By Jacob Chatfield

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 27: Manager Joe Maddon #70 of the Chicago Cubs watches as his team takes on the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on April 27, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 27: Manager Joe Maddon #70 of the Chicago Cubs watches as his team takes on the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on April 27, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 22: Josh Hader #71 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Miller Park on April 22, 2018, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Josh Hader /

NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers: It’s time to do what they didn’t in 2017

The Milwaukee Brewers had a fairly comfortable division lead when the trade deadline came around in 2017. Their apparent need, as it is again in 2018, was to add an ace-caliber starting pitcher. They failed to do so, and the Cubs ended up taking the division as Milwaukee went home before the postseason fun began.

The Brewers aren’t likely to make that mistake twice. They’re in a virtual tie with the Cubs atop the division, with the Cardinals threatening on both teams’ heals.

The Brewers have a really good team ERA of 3.48, but that’s mainly because of their MLB best bullpen. Their starters have not been as great.

They’ve dealt with injuries to their starting rotation throughout the past couple years—including a current injury to Jimmy Nelson. And most of their starters will give the Brewers a chance to win a game. But they don’t have that will shut down any offense when it’s needed. The type of pitcher that you see on most contending teams.

There should be at least a couple available starters this July. Chris Archer‘s name comes up every time a team needs starting pitching, but whether or not he’s a true ace has been called into question. Toronto Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman—who is currently injured, but is expected to start a rehab assignment Wednesday—could be available as well.

There will be options on the table for the Milwaukee Brewers to add to their rotation. We’ll see whether or not they finally pull the trigger.

The Brewers also need a catcher. Badly. And J.T. Realmuto has an OPS+ of 140 on a Miami Marlins team that’s 19 games under .500. That new pitcher they’re in need of might find himself throwing to one of the better catchers in the NL in 2018.

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