Milwaukee Brewers: Mets Rafael Montero a trade target?

New York Mets right-hander Rafael Montero is out of options, and he’s unlikely to make the starting rotation. The Mets are rumored to want to deal him. Could he end up heading to the Milwaukee Brewers?

As Milwaukee Brewers fans know, the roster crunch is very real. The Brewers are going to have to figure out what to do with guys like Jesus Aguilar and Oliver Drake. The Mets are in a similar situation with Rafael Montero. Is there a chance the Mets and Brewers can work out a deal?

How good is Rafael Montero?

Montero owns an 8.31 ERA in 8 2/3 innings so far this spring. He’s struck out 10 while walking five, and has surrendered only one home run. Montero has been tagged for 11 hits so far this spring, but it’s unknown if he was working on a certain pitch or just wasn’t good.

Last year, Montero managed a 1.3 WAR in 119 innings at the Major League level. He made 18 starts and 16 relief appearances. He was actually worse in relief than in the rotation. Montero posted a 5.03 ERA when he started, while his ERA ballooned to 7.33 when he came in as a reliever.

He did manage to strike out 114 while walking 67 and allowing 12 homers.

Would Montero fit with the Brewers?

It’s possible. His fastball/slider combination coming out of the bullpen is intriguing, and he owns a 3.45 ERA the first time through a lineup for his career. However, his control has been an issue whenever he’s been on the Major League roster. His skill set will continue to earn him chances, but it’s clear that adjustments need to occur for him to stay at baseball’s highest level.

What would it take to get Montero?

If the Mets think they’re getting a real prospect for Montero, they’re insane. He’s out of options and someone will claim him if he gets DFA’ed. If he cost more than a low level ‘not-a-prospect’, the GM making the deal was ripped off. The Milwaukee Brewers should be able to deal for him without giving up Keon Broxton or any prospect they really want to keep.

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The Milwaukee Brewers should do their due diligence on Montero, but he’s not going to fix their current issues. The Brewers need an ace-level starting pitcher or quality reliever to upgrade their staff. Montero isn’t an ace, but he may develop into a solid reliever. If the Brewers believe they can convert Montero into a solid relief option, there a deal could happen.