Brewers Sign Free Agent LHP Brett Anderson To One-Year Deal

The Milwaukee Brewers have appeased the masses and added another starting pitcher to their rotation.

Heading into this offseason, the Brewers had Brandon Woodruff penciled into their rotation along with….well not much else. Over the past few days, however, that has changed.

On Wednesday, the Brewers signed Josh Lindblom in free agency from South Korea, and on Friday, they’ve announced that Brett Anderson has signed a free agent contract for the 2020 season.

Anderson, most recently with the Oakland Athletics, posted a 3.89 ERA last season.

Anderson, soon to be 32 years old, will be entering his 12th season in MLB.

Financial details of this contract have not been released as of this writing.

UPDATE: Buster Olney has reported that Anderson will get $5MM guaranteed with $2MM in potential incentives.

Where Does Brett Anderson Fit In?

Anderson will immediately fill one of the open rotation spots for the Brewers. He’s not an ace, but he’s a solid mid-back end rotation arm that can fill the No. 3 or No. 4 spot for next season. With Lindblom probably slotting in right in front of Anderson.

This will give the Brewers a front three of Brandon Woodruff, Lindblom, and Anderson, followed by a mix of Adrian Houser, Eric Lauer, Brent Suter, Freddy Peralta, and Corbin Burnes.

Now, outside of Woodruff, there isn’t too much excitement for that group. Anderson is a solid innings eater that puts the ball in play, doesn’t get many strikeouts, and keeps the ball on the ground.

Health has been a big issue for him though. Anderson has pitched over 100 innings just twice since 2010. Those seasons were 2015 and 2019. If he can stay out on the field, he’ll be a solid addition. He’s basically a taller, left handed version of Zach Davies, with maybe an extra tick on his fastball.

It’s a one year deal, which means little risk on the Brewers end. If he gets hurt and isn’t as effective as they thought, they aren’t stuck for extra years.

It’s a left handed starter and it’s a low risk, medium-high reward move. The rotation is deeper and in a better spot heading into 2020. Anderson may not be a huge difference maker, but he won’t hurt.

If the Milwaukee Brewers still want to add a difference making starting pitcher, they’re going to have to look to either Dallas Keuchel, Madison Bumgarner, or Hyun-Jin Ryu on the free agent market, or make a trade acquisition.