Milwaukee Brewers: Checking in on D-Backs Patrick Corbin?

The Milwaukee Brewers have revamped their lineup, but their rotation still needs work. Recent rumors have linked the Brewers with Arizona Diamondbacks starter Patrick Corbin. Could Brewers GM David Stearns pull off another deal to go all in for 2018?

Patrick Corbin isn’t the ideal option, but he would upgrade the Milwaukee Brewers rotation. He also wouldn’t cost nearly as many prospects as Chris Archer or require the contract that Yu Darvish would demand. Corbin provides the Brewers with a solid left-handed starter who slots in behind Chase Anderson in the rotation.

How real is the Brewers interest in Corbin?

Real enough to generate a recent rumor. The D-Backs have talked to several teams about Corbin, but the Milwaukee Brewers lack of a lefty starter makes a deal interesting.

Corbin is signed for next season at $7.5 million. He’s a free agent after the 2018 season. He’ll either go now or at the deadline if the D-Backs are out of the race. Either way, he’s probably going to spend part of 2018 in another uniform.

Does he make sense for the Brewers?

Yes. He’s affordable and left-handed. The Milwaukee Brewers could use more of both in their rotation for 2018.

Corbin posted a 4.03 actual ERA in 2017, but he also had a 3.89 xFIP. He also posted a career high 8.45 K/9 with a 2.89 BB/9. He strikes out almost a batter per inning, and he doesn’t walk very many. Corbin has also posted a GB% over 50% in each of the last two seasons. Keeping the ball on the ground projects well for Miller Park.

What would he cost the Brewers?

He shouldn’t cost Domingo Santana. Monte Harrison and a few spare parts for Corbin would have been a solid offer, but Harrison is in Miami now. Offer Keon Broxton and a couple ‘not-a-prospects’? What’s a year of Corbin really worth? He probably shouldn’t fetch a top-five prospect.

Next: Is Jacob deGrom a trade target?

February is literally days away and the Milwaukee Brewers have a ton of available options. The top four free agent starting pitchers are still available, Archer exists, and there are a few under-the-radar moves still out there. Stearns doesn’t have to rush into a deal for Corbin, but he should keep the lines of communication open. Corbin doesn’t move the needle, but he would eat up innings that would otherwise go to a starting pitcher that probably shouldn’t start. A deal for Corbin wouldn’t necessarily prevent a move for a more expensive starter, either.