Milwaukee Brewers: Reds Raisel Iglesias available?

MLBTradeRumors.com reports that the Minnesota Twins are kicking the tires on Cincinnati Reds reliever Raisel Iglesias. Should the Milwaukee Brewers see if Iglesias is available?

Raisel Iglesias has worked almost exclusively out of the bullpen to reduce wear and tear on his elbow. He’s signed to a team friendly deal that last through 2020. He’s owed only $14.5 million over the next three seasons, but he can opt out of his deal and head to arbitration if he chooses. His contract was written with specific language to allow that.

Iglesias will turn 28 before pitchers and catchers report. He has a three pitch repertoire that includes a 96+ MPH fastball, a devastating slider, and a solid change up. The Reds could look to move Iglesias this off season, and the Milwaukee Brewers should be calling on him.

Where would Iglesias fit in with the Brewers?

In the bullpen.  Iglesias is the ideal bridge to closer Corey Knebel. He brought stability to a Reds bullpen that’s one of the worst in Major League Baseball. Iglesias posted a 2.49 ERA in 63 appearances last year. He struck out 92 in 76 innings with only 27 walks and five homers allowed. Pairing Iglesias with Knebel would cut games to seven innings, and ensure that leads make it to the ninth inning.

What would the Reds want in exchange for Iglesias?

That depends on the market for relievers. David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle didn’t cost the Yankees a ton, and they came with Todd Frazier. If the Milwaukee Brewers come calling with Monte Harrison or Trent Clark packaged with a pitching prospect or two, that may be enough to pry Iglesias away from the Reds. Cincinnati is a year or two behind the Brewers rebuild, and are still building the depth of their system. They need MLB-ready outfielders and arms. The Brewers have a few that they can deal without hurting the future of the system.

Next: Could Yu Darvish call Milwaukee home next year?

Raisel Iglesias is the high leverage arm that the Milwaukee Brewers need as a bridge to Corey Knebel. The Brewers currently have a glut of outfielders throughout their system. Turning one or more into a pitcher like Iglesias is a move their going to have make to become a legit contender. If the Reds are truly looking to flip Iglesias to bolster their farm system, the Brewers need to be the team looking to deal.