MLB insider's 2026 trade deadline prediction has Brewers taking a very risky approach

Sun Tzu writes in The Art of War that "all warfare is based on deception." While comparing baseball to warfare is usually a bit of a stretch even in the most tired clichés, there are some universal truths from the ancient wisdom of Sun Tzu that have stood the test of time.

When it comes to Milwaukee Brewers baseball and potential trade deadline targets, the focus from MLB insiders has bee on the Brew Crew landing a tried and true ace, such as Tarik Skubal, to potentially take the team over the proverbial hump of reaching the club's first World Series as a member of the National League. Common too have been calls for bolstering the left side of the infield with anyone that can hit over the Mendoza Line, and maybe add a few homers as well.

Additionally, after the Brewers' recent string of pitching injuries, there will justifiably be calls to reinforce the bullpen group at the deadline -- something the Brewers do practically every time they are in contention. All that to say practically no one thinks that the Brewers need to add to their outfield, save for one MLB insider.

MLB insider Jeff Passan floats the idea of Brewers trading for All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton at the deadline

Like many of his colleagues, ESPN's Jeff Passan writes that the Brewers have all of the necessary pieces to go after Skubal, but the reality is that other teams will also be in the mix for the former Cy Young winner, and Milwaukee may not be willing to part with the necessary pieces to make the deal happen.

If Milwaukee is unable to make a deal happen for Skubal or any of the other top starting pitching pieces that could help take the team over the top on that front, Passan writes that the Brewers should consider adding Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton.

Jeff Passan's early 2026 MLB trade deadline preview

Buxton has already cranked out 18 home runs this season, which is just two less than the combined total of Jake Bauers and Brice Turang, Milwaukee's top two home run hitters this year. Buxton is also hitting for a .258 average, which would rank him fourth on the Brewers’ current roster, among qualified hitters. Additionally, he is a former Gold Glove winner, fitting in perfectly with Milwaukee's emphasis on strong defensive abilities.

Of course, the health aspect is an important piece of this hypothetical trade. Buxton did play in over 100 games in each of the last two seasons, but prior to that, he had not done so since 2017. Now, 32 years old, and currently dealing with a contusion in his left shoulder after making an unbelievable catch on Friday night, trading for Buxton certainly comes with risk. Pair that with the fact that the veteran outfielder is owed more than $30 million through the 2028 season, and such a trade becomes even less feasible.

Additionally, it's not as if the Brewers need an outfielder. Jackson Chourio is an everyday player no matter how you spin it. Jake Bauers is playing like an All-Star and has been covering a corner outfield spot more frequently since the return of first baseman Andrew Vaughn. Garrett Mitchell currently patrols center field most days, along with Chourio. Sal Frelick is starting to find his swing and is a Gold Glove winner himself, and that doesn't factor in Brandon Lockridge, who is nearing a return from the scary injury he sustained against the New York Yankees. Not to mention Christian Yelich, although the Brewers' veteran leader has played just two games in the field this year. To some extent, the Brewers' outfield picture looks crowded as is.

However, Passan notes, "It's not the move a disciplined team makes, but then this is the same team that got dog-walked by the Dodgers in the NLCS last year, and it's not so myopic that it ignores what Misiorowski and Harrison are doing." The insider is essentially saying: Milwaukee needs to get out of its own way if it expects to win in October.

While a deal feels unlikely, Milwaukee could certainly use the power surge that Buxton brings when healthy. The veteran outfielder would seemingly be an excellent fit in the Brewers' clubhouse and fits Milwaukee's style of play to a tee. It's undoubtedly a risky option, but teams rarely collect World Series rings without taking a risk or two.

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