Brewers: 5 Controllable 2021 Trade Deadline Targets

2. 1B Jesus Aguilar

You can’t open up a Brewers social media platform without seeing fans wanting Jesus Aguilar back on the team. The Miami Marlins could be sellers at the trade deadline, and have already unloaded Corey Dickerson to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Aguilar just makes too much sense. The team still needs a solid option at first base and a power bat on their bench when needed. The only downside, if we want to get into random details, is that it would be David Stearns having to basically admit he made a mistake back in 2019 when he traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays. But one would hope everyone can get over that if it leads to a deep postseason run. Stearns has publicly admitted mistakes with his moves before, so it wouldn’t be a huge hindrance to a deal.

Aguilar is batting .275 with 17 home runs and 68 RBIs. If he would join the team today, he would be in the top 5 in batting average, be tied for first in home runs, and would lead in RBIs.

Adding a former player who is already beloved and would be at the top of your offensive charts is a no brainer. You find a solution at first base and increase your team’s batting average and stats automatically. Aguilar also has one final year of arbitration next season and currently making $4.35MM. Again, this one just makes too much sense.

3. RHP Richard Rodriguez

Usually, there is a pretty high division tax when it comes to trading. But the Pirates and Brewers have made plenty of trades before. Just a few weeks ago, the team acquired a utility infielder from Pittsburgh for left-handed pitcher Nathan Kirby.

Adding another reliever wouldn’t hurt Milwaukee. Hopefully, Devin Williams’ injured list stint is minimal. But if for some reason it is longer than expected or another pitcher goes down, the Brewers will need a few more options in the bullpen. Relievers like Jake Cousins and Miguel Sanchez have stepped up and played great, but Rodriguez makes the depth that much better.

Over 36 games this year, Rodriguez has a 2.65 ERA, a record of 4-2 and 13 saves under his belt. He would be an amazing alternate closer or setup man for Josh Hader.

The 31-year-old also has two more years of arbitration after this season. He’s currently making $1.7MM, and that would definitely increase for next season. One downside would be having to go to arbitration the next few years with two top relievers. Also, there will be a lot of competitors vying for Rodriguez, and the price to get him will be high.