Milwaukee Brewers: Are they looking to deal for J.A. Happ?

News broke on Wednesday that trade talks have advanced for Toronto Blue Jays left-hander, J.A. Happ. Are the Milwaukee Brewers in the mix?

Reports have claimed that J.A. Happ is close to finding a new address in the next few day. Joel Sherman of the New York Post believes that the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers are the front-runners to land Toronto Blue Jays lefty. Could the Brewers our maneuver the Yankees for Happ?

Are there any names linked to Happ?

From the Milwaukee Brewers side? No, not yet. However, Sherman claimed that the Blue Jays are interested in Yankees second baseman Brandon Drury. Initially, the Blue Jays were asking for Yankees’ top prospects in return, but it’s believed that they’ve lowered their demands recently.

How’s Happ pitching?

Happ has struggled through July. He’s made four starts this month, and owns a 7.71 ERA in 17 innings of work. Happ has fanned 24 while walking only eight. He’s been tagged for four homers this month.

On the season, Happ has pitched better than his numbers indicate on the surface. His 3.62 xFIP claims that his 4.18 actual ERA is a bit of a mirage. He owns a 10.25 K/9 and a 2.76 BB/9.

What would a package for Happ look like?

Well, if the New York Yankees won’t part with their top prospect for Happ, why should the Milwaukee Brewers? They shouldn’t and they won’t. If the Brewers are truly in on Happ, it’s unlikely that they’ll offer a top-10 prospect.

It’s odd that the Blue Jays would target Drury. While he does come with three seasons of team control, he doesn’t offer the same upside as a few mid-level prospects offer. The Blue Jays lack arms at the upper levels of the Minors. The Brewers have pitching throughout their system, and could entice the Jays with Cody Ponce or Trey Supak.

Does Happ fit with the Brewers?

Actually, he does. Happ is a free agent in November and he’s in his age-35 season. He’s essentially playing for his final big contract before he becomes a real estate agent or a mortgage broker in a few years. A run with a playoff-bound Milwaukee Brewers team could boost Happ’s value in the off-season.

Happ is a capable lefty who misses bats and gobbles up innings. While he isn’t an ace, he would add stability to the front of the Milwaukee Brewers rotation. Happ also shouldn’t cost the Brewers any of their top prospects, so they could also add to their middle infield or try to find another arm. If the Brewers can outbid the Yankees, Happ could deliver the boost their rotation has needed for a few months.