Milwaukee Brewers: 4 Lefty relievers to target

MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 13: A general view of Miller Park prior to a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets on May 13, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 13: A general view of Miller Park prior to a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets on May 13, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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2. Justin Wilson

Justin Wilson put together three consecutive years with a WAR value over 1.0…and then he came to the Chicago Cubs and struggled. Wilson was awful down the stretch in 2017, but posted a solid season in 2018.

He managed a 3.46 ERA in 54 2/3 innings last year. He struck out 69, walked 33, and was tagged for five homers.

If the Milwaukee Brewers were to sign Wilson, he would add yet another power arm to the back end of the bullpen. Wilson’s fastball sits in the 95-to-96 MPH range, and can touch 97 MPH. He also has a useful cutter, and a passable slider in his arsenal.

Wilson wasn’t non-tendered or DFA’ed. This off season is his first foray into the free agent market without any years of team control remaining. He earned $2.7 million in 2017, and $4.2 million in 2018. He’s only 31 years old, and should look for a multi-year deal that pays $4 million to $6 million per season. The Milwaukee Brewers should have interest in Wilson if he can be persuaded to take a deal closer to the $4 million than the $6 million.

Wilson struggled against righties and in Wrigley Field last year. He posted a .318 wOBA against right-handers, compared to a .283 wOBA against left-handers. He also owned a 5.04 ERA in Wrigley Field. One of those will rarely be an issue with the Brewers, and the other can be managed.