Milwaukee Brewers: Three free agents to improve the roster

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 26: Corey Kluber #28 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Colorado Rockies in the top of the first inning at Globe Life Field on July 26, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 26: Corey Kluber #28 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Colorado Rockies in the top of the first inning at Globe Life Field on July 26, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

The Milwaukee Brewers are looking to contend once again in 2021. Let’s take a look at some free agents that could help them return to the postseason.

Last season was not what the Milwaukee Brewers had hoped for. They did manage to return to the postseason, but that was strictly due to the expanded playoffs as they finished fourth in the NL Central with a 29-31 record. As expected, they were swiftly dispatched by the Dodgers, scoring a grand total of two runs as they were swept.

The Brewers head into the upcoming season with numerous holes on their roster. The infield is a mess. There are major question marks in the starting rotation. Milwaukee’s bullpen has been a strength, and should continue to be so, but there are trade rumors swirling around Josh Hader once again.

Nonetheless, the Brewers have their sights set on reaching the postseason again in the coming year. To get there, they will need to find several bargains as they look to rebuild their roster on a tight budget.

Here are three free agents that the Milwaukee Brewers should consider.

Corey Kluber

The Milwaukee Brewers have some interesting pieces for their starting rotation. Both Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes were excellent last season, and Josh Lindblom pitched better than his ERA would indicate.

However, if the Brewers are looking to return to the postseason, they will need another solid arm in the middle of the rotation. One such option could be Corey Kluber, who is reportedly expected to throw in front of interested teams in January.

There was a time when Kluber was one of the best pitchers in the game. From 2013 through 2018, he was a three time All Star, winning two Cy Young awards while leading the league in wins twice and taking home the 2017 AL ERA crown. However, injuries have ruined his past two years, as he has pitched a total of 36.2 innings since the start of 2019.

If Kluber is healthy, he would be well worth the risk for the Brewers. While he is not likely to return to the form that made him an ace at this point, he could still be a solid middle of the rotation arm. Kluber, along with Woodruff and Burnes, would give the Brewers a formidable trio atop the rotation. And he likely would not cost much given his injury woes.

The Milwaukee Brewers need another arm for the starting rotation. Corey Kluber could be the perfect fit.