Brewers Hesitant to Make Big Splash at Trade Deadline

The Brewers currently have the top-ranked farm system in MLB, as well as the top prospect in all of baseball in shortstop Jesús Made. They have many other top prospects in the upper levels of the system like Jett Williams, Luis Lara and Cooper Pratt. The latter was recently called up to the majors and will likely make his debut in the coming days; Milwaukee even gave Pratt an eight-year, $50.75 million extension in early April.

But that is exactly why the Brewers should try to make a splash. They have so much talent down on the farm, and not every prospect they have is going to figure into their long-term plans. Additionally, they have a clear need to address: while Milwaukee always had the pitching to make deep playoff runs, the reason they haven't gotten over the hump is due to an inconsistent offense that has often gone cold in October. In the NLCS last year, the Brewers scored just four total runs against the Dodgers.

The Brewers boast a strong position player nucleus of Jackson Chourio, William Contreras and Brice Turang. But third base, center field and right field are all significant weaknesses offensively, with Sal Frelick and Blake Perkins being well-below average bats and Luis Rengifo playing so poorly he was designated for assignment when Pratt was called up. If Milwaukee can upgrade those positions, the lineup would be in very good shape.

At the same time, Milwaukee should remain disciplined and look for the right hitter at the right position. If there isn't an option that moves the needle, then it would be best to hold onto their prospects. But if there is an extremely clear upgrade that would elevate the Brewers' lineup, then they need to step out of their comfort zone and sacrifice some futures for the last piece of the puzzle.