Milwaukee Brewers possibly looking to add to bullpen buzzsaw

The Milwaukee Brewers already have one of the best bullpens in the game. And they may be looking to add another arm.

Right now, the Milwaukee Brewers already have one of the best bullpens in the game. With the trio of Josh Hader, Jeremy Jeffress, and Corey Knebel, the game is typically over once it reaches the seventh inning. Add in the likes of Alex Claudio and Matt Albers, and the Brewers have a rather formidable relief corps as it is.

However, the Brewers may not be done. According to reports, they have had discussions with Craig Kimbrel about coming to Milwaukee, adding yet another arm to the buzzsaw they have in the bullpen.

It does not appear as though a signing is imminent, at least according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal. And the Brewers would need to further stretch their budget to make a signing work, even if it would be for one year.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

However, such a move would not be an impossibility. Milwaukee emerged as the surprising destination for Yasmani Grandal, as they signed the top catcher in free agency to a one year deal. Mike Moustakas also returned to the Brewers after languishing in free agency, again on a one year contract. Although Kimbrel had been looking for a long term deal, could he take the same route as the other players that joined the Brewers?

If so, Milwaukee will be adding another formidable piece to their bullpen. Even in what is considered a down year, Kimbrel was still one of the top closers in the game. he posted a 2.74 ERA and a 0.995 WHiP, striking out 96 batters in 62.1 innings. His command was a concern, as Kimbrel issued 31 walks, but he was still able to limit hits and amass strikeouts.

The biggest questions are whether or not the Brewers can fit Kimbrel into their budget, and whether or not they would be looking at another one year deal. If they can get Kimbrel on that type of a contract, then it is the type of move that they need to consider. An arm like that could be the difference between another disappointing postseason, or making the second World Series in franchise history.

The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly speaking with Craig Kimbrel’s representatives, although nothing is imminent. If they do manage to land Kimbrel as well, the Brewers already formidable bullpen will be that much better.