3 Brewers players whose upcoming performances will define team's 2026 trade deadline strategy

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching. Just 11 days remain before contending teams, like the Milwaukee Brewers, lose the ability to add impactful players to their roster for the stretch run. As a result, fans can expect a flurry of trade activity around the league prior to 5:00 p.m. CT on August 3.

The Brewers, who have won five out of six games since the All-Star Break, are in a curious position. It feels as if the front office should swing a deal or two to improve the roster, but it isn't necessarily obvious where. Yes, the rotation could use another top-tier starter, the offense could use more power, and the bullpen could always use another high-leverage arm, but the Brewers are seemingly firing on all cylinders out of the All-Star Break, complicating the front office's strategy at the trade deadline.

Should this recent hot stretch be trusted, leading the front office to act conservatively prior to the deadline, or should the Brewers acknowledge that hot streaks don't always last and act aggressively, knowing they can't change their mind later if they choose not to make an addition now? It's by no means an easy decision for Matt Arnold and company, but the performances of three key players over the next week could serve as an indicator of how the front office should act in the days leading up to the trade deadline.

3 Milwaukee Brewers players whose upcoming performances will define the team's 2026 trade deadline strategy

1. RHP Logan Henderson

The biggest outstanding question the Milwaukee Brewers face as the midseason trade deadline approaches is who will be the team's No. 3 starter behind Jacob Misiorowski and Kyle Harrison in a hypothetical playoff series. After Brandon Woodruff announced that he will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, the chances of Milwaukee turning to an internal option to serve as their Game 3 starting pitcher decreased, but that's not to say the Brewers don't currently have options on their roster.

The best option to accompany Miz and Harrison in a formidable postseason trio is rookie right-hander Logan Henderson. Though Henderson has yet to surpass six innings in a start this year, the 24-year-old is sporting a 3.05 ERA in eight starts, with an impressive 47 strikeouts in 38.1 innings. He's undoubtedly been Milwaukee's most effective starter behind Miz and Harrison (and Woodruff), but the question remains: does he have what it takes to deliver in the postseason?

Henderson, who remains a "rookie" despite making his debut during the 2025 campaign, has just 63.2 total big-league innings to his name, and none of those have come in the postseason. The young starter certainly has what it takes to be a No. 3 option on a postseason roster, but will the Brewers elect to trust his lack of experience come October? If not, an addition to their rotation prior to the deadline may be needed.

2. INF Joey Ortiz

"Third base Joey" is all the rage right now. Ever since Cooper Pratt was promoted to the big-league roster, and Joey Ortiz was asked to flip back to third base, where he played during his breakout rookie campaign back in 2024, the young infielder has flipped a switch at the plate. Since June 16, Pratt's debut, Ortiz has posted a .284/.325/.506 slash line with seven extra-base hits and 12 RBI in 27 games.

Ortiz had been serving in a platoon at third base with left-handed hitter David Hamilton before the latter went down with a hamstring injury in early July. Recently, Ortiz has been playing practically every game at third base, where his defense has shined in addition to his impressive offensive turnaround.

Many Brewers fans want the front office to make a significant upgrade at third base prior to the deadline, preferably one that adds some pop to Milwaukee's lineup. However, if Ortiz continues to hit as he has over the last month, which has been better than league average, Matt Arnold and company may have the luxury of being able to use their coveted prospect capital elsewhere.

3. RHP Chad Patrick

It's been an interesting 2026 season for right-hander Chad Patrick. The 2025 breakout starter began the season in the Brewers' rotation, and given the early-season injuries, was viewed as a key part of the starting staff. However, an inability to work deep into games, in part brought on by his breaking ball not taking the step forward the Brewers hoped it would, Patrick was transitioned into a relief role in early May.

Patrick dominated as a reliever in May, with a 0.66 ERA and a 0.73 WHIP in 13.2 innings out of the Brewers' bullpen to prove it, but hit a rough patch in the month of June, as evidenced by a 6.20 ERA in 20.1 innings. The 27-year-old Patrick, however, has bounced back in July, posting a 2.38 ERA in 11.1 innings, and offering Brewers fans confidence that he can be a high-leverage weapon out of Milwaukee's 'pen down the stretch.

If Patrick can cover big innings in the postseason, just as he did a season ago, Milwaukee's need for a top-tier relief option decreases significantly. Alongside Aaron Ashby, Abner Uribe, and Trevor Megill, Patrick would create a daunting quartet that no offense would want to face. However, if Patrick's inconsistency continues, it may be the bullpen that needs to be prioritized by the Brewers' front office prior to the August 3 trade deadline.

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