Brewers: Is LHP Alex Wood a free agent target?

It’s been quiet in the world of baseball due to the holidays, and it’s been almost awkwardly quiet for fans of the Milwaukee Brewers as GM David Stearns made moves like crazy then suddenly went MIA. As Stearns tries to figure out a pitching staff, could Alex Wood be a good option to target down?

The pitching free agent market has shrunk substantially since the signing of Gerrit Cole to the Yankees, Dallas Keuchel to the White Sox, and many others that the Brewers could’ve obtained, but weren’t looking to sign athletes to such long-term contracts like the ones other free agent pitchers have been receiving. But, there are still some good arms that the Brewers could look into acquiring for the 2020 season to boost up the bullpen.

LHP Alex Wood, a former starter for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Atlanta Braves, is a free agent after spending one season with the Reds. Many are surprised he hasn’t been picked up yet, but, his stats from 2019 could also be the determining factor as to why teams haven’t picked him up.

What happened to Wood in 2019?

Due to a back injury during Spring Training last season, Wood didn’t pitch until late July and even then, he only made seven appearances before his back flared up again and ended his season. Within those seven mound appearances, he went 1-3 with a 5.80 ERA. Big yikes.

Throwing the 2019 season away, Alex Wood actually has a pretty decent record. A career ERA of 3.29, Wood also was an all-star pitcher and even placed ninth in the Cy Young Award voting.

How could Wood fit into the Brewers?

His talent definitely wouldn’t go unnoticed in Milwaukee as the Brewers are in need of some good arms for the rotation. Milwaukee has made a couple acquisitions with starting pitchers, but there’s always room for more and always room for improvement. Plus, adding another lefty to the rotation could be vital as the starting rotation is pretty right-hand dominant. Adding another lefty into that will help mix up the pitching styles we see on the mound.

How risky is Wood?

There is some risk signing Wood due to his back injuries and the possibility of it flaring up again, but Wood could easily be a #3 starter. There really isn’t much left for the Brewers to look at in terms of ‘good’ starting pitching that’ll help their bullpen and their rotation. While he isn’t no Cole or Zack Wheeler, if Wood could make a bounce back and have a healthy off season, there’s no doubt in my mind that he would be a beautiful fit into the Brewers’ six-man rotation. With acquiring Wood, Milwaukee could do it for a lower price due to a ‘lower’ demand for Wood on the free agent market.

fThere might be some fans upset with this possibility going through others’ heads, but even though he was ridden with a back injury, a healthy Wood could potentially help bring the Brewers to a back-to-back-to-back postseason appearance.