Brewers reportedly aiming high with trade targets ahead of deadline

The Milwaukee Brewers have been a perennial playoff team but have been unable to reach the World Series. That could change this season.

Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reported that the Brewers plan to be more aggressive ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. He further reported that the Brewers have touched base with the Detroit Tigers about starter Tarik Skubal and the San Diego Padres regarding closer Mason Miller.

Should the Tigers make Skubal available, he would easily be the prize of the trade deadline. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner has posted a 2.65 ERA and a 0.931 WHIP over his 82.2 innings, striking out 98 batters with 11 walks. As Skubal will be a free agent after the season, the Tigers have no reason to hold on to him should they fall out of the wild-card hunt.

Milwaukee Brewers looking to load up for postseason run

Miller would be a longer-term answer in the ninth inning as he has three more years of team control remaining. He is easily the top reliever on the market, having posted an impressive 0.86 ERA and a 0.864 WHIP over his 41.2 innings, striking out 78 batters with 15 walks. 

The Brewers will have plenty of competition for Skubal and Miller. However, they may have the prospect depth to land both as Baseball America ranked the Brewers' farm system as the best in the majors. While top prospect Jesus Made is unlikely to be dealt, prospects such as Jett Williams, Luis Pena and Logan Henderson could bring back a significant return.

The Brewers' road to their first World Series appearance since 1982 goes through the two-time defending champion Dodgers. Adding Skubal and Miller would make that road a lot easier.