Call to the pen
Fansided

Milwaukee Brewers checking in on multiple big bats

By David Hill|
Jul 21, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (27) hits a single in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (27) hits a single in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Brewers‘ place atop the NL Central has come about entirely because of their pitching. A buzzsaw of a bullpen has supported an impressive top of the rotation despite a mediocre showing from the lineup. The Brewers, as a team, have posted an OPS+ of 88, which is hardly the type of production that one would expect from a playoff team.

This is something that the Brewers front office is aware of. As such, it is not a surprise that they have been linked to both Trevor Story and Josh Donaldson.

Milwaukee Brewers looking to add to lineup

Story may seem to be a somewhat imperfect fit, as Willy Adames has been one of the bright spots of their lineup since he was acquired from the Rays. Likewise, Kolten Wong has been surprisingly solid with the bat, posting a 120 OPS+ with 15 doubles and eight homers.

However, as the Brewers have not gotten any production at first for most of the year, it would not be too far-fetched for Adames to change positions temporarily. Even though Story has not performed at his usual level, with a .242/.313/425 batting line in his 358 plate appearances, hitting 12 homers and 18 doubles while stealing 17 bases, he would be a hypothetical upgrade to their lineup.

Donaldson would seem to be a strange fit based on his salary. He is at least $51 million after this season, although he does have what could be an affordable $16 million option for 2024. However, the Brewers had attempted to land Justin Turner, and will spend if need be. Considering that Donaldson has posted a .249/.352/.475 batting line in his 318 plate appearances, hitting 15 homers and 15 doubles.

If the Brewers are able to land either, if not both players, they could make more noise in the postseason than one would imagine. The rotation has been excellent, particularly their top three starters. The bullpen has been one of the best in the game. It is just a matter of the lineup doing their part.

The Milwaukee Brewers are looking to upgrade their lineup. If they land either Trevor Story or Josh Donaldson, they could do some damage in October.

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