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10 Free Agent Reliever Targets For The Brewers Once Lockout Ends

By David Gasper

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 09: Brad Boxberger #45 of the Milwaukee Brewers watches the game from the bullpen during game 2 of the National League Division Series at American Family Field on October 09, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Braves defeated the Brewers 3-0. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 09: Brad Boxberger #45 of the Milwaukee Brewers watches the game from the bullpen during game 2 of the National League Division Series at American Family Field on October 09, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Braves defeated the Brewers 3-0. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 20: Richard Rodriguez #48 of the Atlanta Braves delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 20, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Brewers free agent reliever target #3: RHP Richard Rodriguez

Over the past few years the Brewers have seen a lot of Richard Rodriguez. He was a big piece of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff since 2018 and emerged as their closer in 2021. He was traded mid-season to the Atlanta Braves and was turned into a setup man but was left off the NLDS roster against the Brewers.

The Brewers are the team Rodriguez has faced the most in his career, and he has a 2.73 career ERA against the Crew in 32 games.

Because Milwaukee has gotten to see so much of Rodriguez over the past few years, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Brewers target him in free agency. He was a highly sought-after target last July, but now the Brewers don’t have to try to make a trade with a division rival for him.

Rodriguez didn’t have a ton of success with Atlanta, and his 6.17 FIP with the Braves shows he was incredibly lucky to have just a 3.12 ERA in 26 innings.

He’s not entering free agency on a high note, but if anyone can turn him back around, it’s likely the Milwaukee Brewers.

Brewers free agent reliever target #4: LHP Andrew Chafin

Another reliever that’s available now after being with a division rival is Andrew Chafin. Chafin, 31, spent the first half of 2021 with the Chicago Cubs and pitched extremely well. In 43 games, Chafin had a 2.06 ERA and he was their best setup man.

As the Cubs fell out of contention, Chafin became a big target at the trade deadline. Chicago chose to send him to the Oakland A’s for a pair of prospects in return. Chafin continued to pitch well for Oakland, and had a 1.83 ERA on the season in 2021.

Chafin had a lot of success in Arizona for a number of years before going to Chicago in 2020. He’s been serviceable, reliable, and pretty productive.

Coming off such a strong season, Chafin may be looking for a multi-year pact, but since he’s not a closer, it’s unlikely he gets one. On a one year deal, the Brewers could bring Chafin back to the Midwest and beef up their bullpen.

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