
4. Blake Parker
How does another reliever capable of striking out over a batter per inning sound? Blake Parker posted a K/9 over 9.00, and an ERA below 3.50 last year. He’s worked in the ninth inning, and as a bridge to a closer before. He’s racked up 24 saves in his Major League career.
Parker doesn’t overpower hitters, but he is capable of working in the 92-to-94 MPH range. He also boasts a splitter and a curve that he can mix in.
2019 will be Parker’s age-33 season, but he won’t become a free agent until after the 2020 season.
The 2018 season proved that bullpen depth matters as much as rotation depth. The Milwaukee Brewers need to add arms that can either serve as a bridge to the closer and occasionally take the ball in the ninth inning. Parker can do both, and he shouldn’t cost a ton or require a multi-year commitment.
He make a lot of sense for the Milwaukee Brewers, and GM David Stearns should at least put a call in to see what kind of a deal Parker is looking for.