The Milwaukee Brewers appear determined to avoid making the same mistake twice when it comes to the trade deadline.
The Brewers intend to keep key pieces as they look to avoid a repeat of last year’s deadline, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. That means the likes of starting pitcher Corbin Burnes are unlikely to be moved.
During the 2022 season, the Brewers became something of a cautionary tale in terms of balancing long-term aims and short-term accomplishments. They were in first place in the NL Central when they traded closer Josh Hader to San Diego in an effort to maximize his value a year-and-a-half before he was to hit free agency.
The move had a disastrous effect on the clubhouse, with some of the team’s players openly critical of the trade. Even Hader’s successor as closer seemed crushed. Milwaukee wound up missing the playoffs by a game, too.
Burnes would qualify as Milwaukee’s most coveted trade piece and he already hinted at some preseason unhappiness with the organization. The last thing the franchise needs to do is alienate players any further.
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