Brewers worst Trade Deadline deal of the last 10 years: #4 - LHP Daniel Norris from Tigers for RHP Reese Olson
Acquiring relievers over the last few years has proven to be a fruitless endeavor for the Brewers front office. Their pool luck with trading for relievers seemed to start with the acquisition of Daniel Norris.
In 2021, the Brewers were seeking another left-handed reliever as the Deadline was ticking down. Milwaukee opted for a trade with the Detroit Tigers, bringing in a former top prospect in Daniel Norris who was set to hit free agency that winter after a disappointing first few years in the big leagues. He was a starter and then moved to the bullpen.
Norris wasn't even having a good season with the Tigers in 2021 when the Brewers got him. He had a 5.89 ERA in 38 games for Detroit. Yet the Brewers thought they could fix him in a very limited amount of time before he reached free agency. The Deadline is not an ideal time to add a brand new project. This is the time to add a finished product.
Norris struggled as a Brewer, posting a 6.64 ERA in 18 appearances for Milwaukee, with 15 walks in 18.1 IP. He also allowed five homers. Unsurprisingly, the Brewers let him walk in free agency that winter.
In return, the Brewers gave up a rising pitching prospect in Reese Olson. Milwaukee is known for their pitching development and Olson was starting to look like the next good one but the Brewers were willing to part with him for a rental. All Olson has done is continue to thrive with Detroit and turned into a top prospect. He's now a regular member of Detroit's starting rotation.
Norris not working out made it not a good trade, but Reese Olson turning into what he is makes it look even worse for Milwaukee.