No sooner had the Milwaukee Brewers summoned top prospect Jacob Misiorowsk i to the big leagues than pure excitement was dampened by a bit of drama. To account for Misiorowski’s anticipated spot in the rotation, the team informed veteran starter Aaron Civale that he would be moved to the bullpen. Civale promptly requested a trade.
If the Brewers grant his request, one MLB writer says the American-League-leading Detroit Tigers might be interested in a deal.
The Tigers received a blow yesterday when it was announced that rookie Jackson Jobe, formerly a top seven prospect in all of baseball, will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. In 10 starts this season, Jobe allowed a 4.22 ERA while striking out 39 and walking 27 in 10 starts. He went 4-1.
Now, Detroit will need to address the hole in their rotation. Third-year starter Reese Olson remains on the IL, making his way back from a finger injury. Behind Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty and Casy Mize, sophomore Keider Montero is now the fourth man (4.30 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 5.9 strikeouts per nine) – not ideal.
Trading for Civale would be one way to patch the leaky ship, says baseball writer Drew VonScio of Newsweek.
Civale himself hasn’t enjoyed the best of health in 2025, making only five starts. He has looked all that good, either; batters are clocking him for an .856 OPS. However, he is a serviceable innings eater who pitched well in Milwaukee last season after arriving from Tampa Bay.
For Detroit, relying on Civale would probably be an upgrade over Montero. Given Civale’s struggles, his clear desire to leave the Brewers, and the team’s lack of need for him, the Tigers could get him at a cheap price. If they don’t find another Jobe replacement – or even if they do and just want some insurance or a substitute for Montero – Civale could be the answer.
As for his own interests, Civale would be allowed to take the mound as a starter – during the regular season, anyway. Come playoff time, he would likely face bullpen work or be left off the postseason roster entirely. Unless he turns his performance around, though, he isn’t more than a solid number-four option on a serious contender – hence the Brewers’ decision to see what they have in Misiorowski.
At the end of the day, the grass may not be much greener outside Milwaukee, but at least somewhere like Detroit, Civale could give himself a shot to show he’s still got it.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!