2 starting pitchers the Brewers should target instead of Garrett Crochet, 1 to avoid

The Milwaukee Brewers have unexpectedly emerged as one of the teams still pursuing highly sought-after starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. However, executive Matt Arnold may find the asking price too steep and may need to shift focus to other trade targets. Here, we explore two starting pitchers he should consider acquiring and one he should steer clear of.

Exploring other starting pitching trade targets for the Brewers other than Garrett Crochet

LHP Jeffrey Springs

The Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays have a strong history of making deals, which makes the possibility of Jeffrey Springs being traded to Milwaukee an intriguing option. The 32-year-old left-hander has only 312 big league innings to his name, with 33 of those coming last year after returning from Tommy John surgery. However, his career 3.39 ERA and solid performance when healthy since 2021 make him an appealing target. Given that Springs is owed $10.5 million for each of the next two seasons, Milwaukee may not need to part with significant prospect capital, as Tampa Bay is unlikely to absorb any of his remaining salary

LHP Jesus Luzardo

The Miami Marlins have headed to a clear rebuild and veteran Jesus Luzardo could be the next starting pitcher to get dealt. Luzardo has excellent velocity as a southpaw, averaging 95 MPH, while also thriving on getting strike outs and generating ground balls. Injuries hampered his abilities last year, but if the Brewers can get a similar version of 2023 Luzardo when he tossed 178 innings and had a 3.58 ERA he would be well worth the $8.6 million he is projected to earn in 2025.

One starting pitcher trade target that the Milwaukee Brewers should avoid

LHP Jordan Montgomery

Jordan Montgomery and the Arizona Diamondbacks parting ways seems imminent following a disastrous 2024 season in which the southpaw had a 6.28 ERA. However, finding a trade partner to take on all or a portion of the the soon to be 32 year old's $22.5 million seems unlikely. In Milwaukee's case, counting on a bounce back 2025 season is no guarantee and should be deemed as too much of a risk.

It will be interesting to see if the Milwaukee Brewers make any trades during the Winter Meetings. Right now, they appear heavily engaged in the starting pitching market, but they could also be looking to bolster their infield while also finding a trade suitor for closer Devin Williams.

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