Milwaukee Brewers: Could they make a deadline deal with the Oakland A’s?

The Oakland A’s are technically still in the Wild Card race. They’re seven games behind the Seattle Mariners for the second Wild Card spot. They could also fall out of the race with a bad week. If they sell, should the Milwaukee Brewers buy?

The Milwaukee Brewers were linked to second baseman Jed Lowrie over the off season, but there’s another name who could help down the stretch. The Oakland A’s have a veteran pitcher currently on the DL that makes sense for the Brewers rotation. No, not Brett Anderson. He’s perpetually on the DL. Trevor Cahill has been secretly fantastic this season, and he could become available before the July trade deadline.

How is Cahill pitching this year?

When he’s healthy? He’s been fantastic.

In eight starts, Cahill owns a 2.77 ERA. He also has a 8.69 K/9 and a 2.03 BB/9. His 2.88 xFIP indicates that his actual ERA isn’t a mirage. Cahill has been the real deal this year.

Why is he on the DL?

The good news is that his arm isn’t hurting. The bad news is that He picked up a right Achilles strain about 12 days ago. He’s set to start throwing in a few days. If he stays on schedule, he should return to action before the trade deadline.

Why would he fit the Brewers?

Cahill is a capable veteran hurler who looks like a ‘late bloomer’ like Charlie Morton. He’s been secretly solid for the past few seasons and appears to have figured a few things out. Cahill was never a big velocity guy, but he’s found a few extra MPH on his fastball over the years. He’s also rediscovered his breaking stuff, and has used it to generate a career high 13.1% swinging strike rate.

He’s always been a ground ball machine, and owns a career 55.2% ground ball rate, but he’s kept the ball on the ground over 60% of the time in 2018. Combine the ground ball rate with the strikeouts, and you’ve got a solid Major League starter.

What would Cahill cost the Brewers?

Given his injury history, Cahill won’t cost nearly as much as Jacob deGrom or J.A. Happ. He’s only under contract through the 2018 season. How much is a few months of Cahill worth? The Milwaukee Brewers may have to part with a real prospect, but names like Keston Hiura or Corbin Burnes won’t be in the conversation for Cahill. A toolsy outfielder and an 18-year old name on a roster should get the A’s to part with Cahill.

Next: Could the Brewers reunite with Scooter Gennett?

The Milwaukee Brewers are looking high and low for starting pitching before the trade deadline. If they’re smart, they’re looking at Cahill…assuming he’s completely healthy.