Milwaukee Brewers: Finding A Blockbuster Trade with Tampa Bay, Part II

Jake Odorizzi is a familiar face to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Crew selected Odorizzi with the 32nd overall pick in the 2008 draft. He was then dealt to Kansas City as part of the package for Zack Greinke. Since then, he was traded to Tampa and has turned himself into a solid starter.

Jake Odorizzi isn’t an ace but could be a #2 starter when he’s at his best. He’s more of a middle of the rotation #3 starter based on his results and workload. He’s never posted 200 innings in a season and some of his peripherals are concerning. Over the past three years, his BB/9 and HR/9 rates have steadily increased as well as his opponents’ OPS. Because of all this, the return for Odorizzi will be much smaller than Archer’s.

What would the deal look like?

Some of you may be asking who Trent Grisham is. He’s the player formerly known as Trent Clark and he legally changed his name just recently. Clark was the Brewers’ first round pick in 2015. So far, his bat hasn’t lived up to the hype it had on draft day. But the left-hander still possesses great speed. He swiped 37 bags in High-A last year. The potential is still there and the 21-year old still has plenty of time to develop.

Mario Feliciano was the Brewers third pick in the 2016 draft and offense is his calling card. He’ll hit for a good average with limited power, but his defensive capabilities aren’t fully developed yet. He’s got a strong arm and the soon to be 19-year old has a bright future ahead.

Why does this deal make sense for the Brewers?

A package like this could be enough to get Odorizzi for his last two remaining arbitration years. The Brewers liked him enough to draft him nearly ten years ago and now they have the chance to re-acquire him.

The concerns surrounding Odorizzi’s peripherals could lower the package to what was just described. David Stearns has access to more analytics than we do, but the increasing trend in walk and home run rates should raise a flag. Miller Park is a great place for hitters. The 30 home runs Odorizzi allowed in 2017 and the 29 he allowed in 2016 may not play well. His current home in The Trop is a great pitcher’s park that suppresses long balls, and he still allowed 19 of those 30 dingers at home.

If the Brewers wish to acquire Odorizzi, the package needs to be lower than what the Rays will ask for him. However, pitching coach Derek Johnson is regarded as one of the best in the business. If he was able to cut down on Jimmy Nelson‘s walk and home run rates, he could do the same with Odorizzi.

Next: Can the Brewers deal for Chris Archer?

Overall, should the Rays decide to sell off their best players, the Milwaukee Brewers should definitely put in a call and make an offer for Odorizzi. Odorizzi is a good piece to fill out the rotation for a reasonable cost.