Milwaukee Brewers: Could Trevor Rosenthal fit with the Crew?

The recent move by the St. Louis Cardinals to release former closer Trevor Rosenthal could be good for the Milwawaukee Brewers.

A man affectionately called ‘Rosy’ by the Redbird faithful is now free for the signing. He put together two 40 save seasons, then surrendered the role to Seung-hwan Oh after a forearm ailment decreased his effectiveness. The injury bug bit him again in 2017, but this time it was Tommy John. Giving the Milwaukee Brewers a possibly discounted reliever.

Everything came back around for Rosenthal in 2017. By the time he went on the DL, he had regained his closing duties. However, with free agency pending at the end of 2018, and the recovery time blocking out most of the season, the Cardinals thought best to seek other employment. So they cut ties with their hard throwing righty.

The thought is that Rosy will return to St. Louis as his recovery progresses. But what if he didn’t?

Rosenthal is a free agent now. And it was a move the Cardinals had to make to free up a roster spot and improve their bullpen. But with the move being made, the Milwaukee Brewers have every right to swoop in and get the former closer for a discount.

Since the surgery took place in August, Rosenthal will be out for most of the 2018 season. So this is not a move to make in a hurry. But as the season progresses, glaring holes appear in every bullpen at some point or another. Getting a flamethrower like Rosy could do some good in building a bridge to Corey Knebel.

That’s not to say that Rosenthal is the answer. They guy may not even pitch in 2018. But down the stretch, as the season goes along, it would not be the worst idea in the world for David Stearns to be in contact with the 27 year old pitcher.

According to his profile on MLB.com, he averages 98.5 MPH. That can be valuable for any bullpen. Rosenthal had what is probably is most successful year in 2017. His strikeouts per nine innings was over 14 and his strike percentage stood at 65.

The Milwaukee Brewers are going to search for bullpen help. They could very well resign Anthony Swarzak and be content. But if the season goes along and Rosenthal remains a free agent, there is no reason not to go after him. He is established enough to be able to help in the middle or late innings of a game.