Brewers' latest Lance McCullers move paves the way for trade deadline additions

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy had nothing but kind things to say about veteran right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. during his postgame press conference on Sunday afternoon. "What a remarkable person. In the little time that he was here, I think he really helped some guys...It was clear that his intent was to give to others, and I respect him a great deal," said Murphy on McCullers.

Murphy's respect for McCullers and his appreciation for the wisdom that he offered to the Brewers' inexperienced pitching staff made the team's decision to designate the veteran for assignment ahead of Sunday's game all the more difficult. Murphy said as such after sharing his praise for McCullers, noting that the conversation regarding his DFA was very tough.

McCullers' DFA on Sunday morning came as a surprise to Brewers fans, especially given the fact that Milwaukee acquired former All-Star just 11 days prior. McCullers waived his no-trade clause to join the Brewers after spending his entire career with the Houston Astros, and though it was clear he wasn't as effective as his pre-injury self, some believed the Brewers could revive the former postseason hero's career and utilize his services during the stretch run of the 2026 season.

However, it's now apparent that the Brewers elected to acquire McCullers and $2.5 million of his remaining salary so that they could add left-hander Colton Gordon -- the other player included in Milwaukee's trade return. Just moments ago, the Brewers confirmed this belief by officially releasing McCullers before he could clear waivers and inevitably reject Milwaukee's outright assignment to Triple-A.

McCullers' release, as surprising as it was, does carry implications regarding the midseason trade deadline, which is now just one week away. Not only does it offer a clearer picture of the Brewers pitching staff as Matt Arnold and company consider major additions ahead of the deadline, but it also opens a coveted 40-man roster spot, which will almost certainly be filled before August 3 at 5:00 p.m. CT -- the date and time of this year's trade deadline.

Brewers' two open 40-man roster spots with one week remaining before trade deadline suggest additions are on the way

As a result of McCullers' release and Garrett Stallings, who was already a member of the 40-man roster, replacing him in Milwaukee's 'pen, the Brewers opened a 40-man spot. Just two days prior, when Milwaukee reinstated infielder David Hamilton from the 10-day IL and designated recent trade acquisition Braden Shewmake for assignment, they also inadvertently opened a 40-man roster spot. As a result, with just one week remaining before the trade deadline, the Brewers have 38 players on their 40-man roster, giving them the flexibility they need to make an addition without having to worry about cutting ties with a player to open a roster spot.

The Brewers are likely to save one of those two remaining spots for the approaching return of outfielder Brandon Lockridge, who is currently on a rehab assignment in Triple-A as he works back from the knee injury he suffered in early May. However, that still leaves one open 40-man spot for a trade addition, and that's assuming the Brewers don't deal any current members of their 40-man roster ahead of the deadline.

With the roster flexibility to make an addition or two, and a first-place roster that once again has their sights set on a World Series title, it's not necessarily a question of if the Brewers' front office will swing a trade over the next week, but rather what kind of deal they end up agreeing to. The fanbase is certainly hoping for an aggressive deadline from the generally conservative Brewers front office, and with enough depth already on their roster, a non-needle-moving deal makes little sense. In other words, making a trade just to make a trade would be surprising given Milwaukee's solid internal options. What the Brew Crew needs is an impact addition who can help them get past the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason.

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