Milwaukee Brewers: Taylor Jungmann Is Released

By now, it is not news that the Milwaukee Brewers released Taylor Jungmann so he can pursue an opportunity in the NPB.

This announcement does take one player out of the conversation for the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation. But it also means a former first round pick is moving on. That is not to say he cannot return one day.

In all honesty, this move is somewhat puzzling. A move did have to be made to make way for Boone Logan, and Jungmann made a request to go to Japan. But by all appearances, the struggles plaguing the 28 year olds career were on the mend.

It is not ideal for a first round pick in 2011 to be 28 and not a consistent part of the MLB team yet, but there is no cookie cutter formula. Jungmann pitched very well in Triple A in 2017. In 90.1 innings, his ERA sat below three. That is more than productive.

In upwards of 146 innings in the big leagues his ERA is around five. That is largely due to the poor showing in in 2016. It was not a pretty follow up to his 21 starts with a 3.77 ERA in 2015. But regardless, Jungmann will be hurling in Japan for the foreseeable future.

The Milwaukee Brewers know firsthand what time overseas can do. Enter the monstrous start from Eric Thames. So, it is entirely possible that this is the best move for Jungmann’s career. For some players it is a place to learn new skills and continue to play at a highly competitive level.

Regardless of why Jungmann wants to pursue this opportunity, the Milwaukee Brewers community should be happy for him. If all goes well, he can be the next success story from the NPB.

There is no time to dwell on the departing, however. There are still many moves to be made this offseason, and the hot stove is starting to at least show signs of life. That is about all fans can ask for after the slow start.

Next: Q&A With Kodi Medeiros

Happy trails Taylor. Best of luck overseas. Should you find what you are there to find, bring it back to the states. Should the success be as good as the potential, there will no doubt be a Milwaukee Brewers uniform waiting for you on the other side.