Milwaukee Brewers: Is there a fit for Brad Hand?

The Milwaukee Brewers bullpen has struggles to make it through July. Tyler Webb, Rob Scahill, Oliver Drake, and Carlos Torres all have ERAs over 6.00. A few of those names are already back in Triple-A. The need for an elite reliever to bridge the gap to closer Corey Knebel is clear. Is San Diego Padres reliever Brad Hand a fit?

What Do The Numbers Say?

The say that Brad Hand is fantastic, and it’s not just a side effect of playing in Petco. He’s actually been better away from San Diego than he is in San Diego. His road ERA is only 1.33, and that comes with 35 strikeouts in 27 innings of work. He’s equally effective against righties and lefties, and he comes with two more years of team control. There’s a lot to like with Brad Hand and he would look much better coming in for the seventh and eighth innings than the current group of Brewers relievers.

How Much Would He Cost?

If the Milwaukee Brewers want to add Brad Hand for the stretch run and the next two seasons, it’s going to come at a hefty cost. The Brewers would surely have to part with a top outfielder. Either Corey Ray or Brett Phillips would be headed to San Diego along with a few other prospects. Not no names from Single-A either.

Hand is drawing attention from almost every contender in need of relief help. There could very well be a bidding war as we inch towards the deadline. The Brewers have the prospects to meet the Padres demands, but should they?

Is Hand A Fit In Milwaukee?

In a perfect world? The Milwaukee Brewers have already acquired Hand and he’s racking up holds as they grow their division lead. In this world? Probably not. The Brewers have made it clear that they’re only interested in the low-risk, low-cost moves. If it’s not players like Stephen Vogt, Jeanmar Gomez, or Tom Wilhelmsen, they’re not dealing. Hand would look great in a Brewers uniform, but there is no way they want to pay the cost that he is sure to command.

Next: Should The Brewers Deal For Addison Reed?

Brad Hand will likely be dealt in the next week for a King’s Ransom, but it won’t be the Milwaukee Brewers pulling the trigger. GM David Stearns has worked hard to rebuild the Brewers’ farm system, and he won’t be dismantling it for a relief pitcher. Even a reliever as awesome as Hand.