Brewers News: Crew Acquires RHP Trevor Megill in Trade with Twins
The Milwaukee Brewers are continuing to experiment with different pitchers in an effort to improve their bullpen. On Sunday, they were at it yet again.
Most recently it was announced that the Brewers traded for RHP Trevor Megill from the Minnesota Twins. The team announced the transaction Sunday afternoon prior to their 3-0 series-ending loss to the Los Angeles Angels.
Megill made his MLB debut in 2021 with the Chicago Cubs. The right-hander struggled and finished the year with an 8.37 ERA in 28 appearances. At the end of the season, the Twins claimed Megill off waivers and eventually signed him to a minor league deal.
Megill was called up to the majors in May of 2022 and finished with a 4.80 ERA in 39 appearances. The 29-year-old had started this season in Triple-A and had a 13.03 ERA in 7 appearances before being designated for assignment.
This is where the Brewers come into play. Milwaukee acquired Megill before he went on waivers for a player to be named later and cash. To clear the 40-man roster spot, injured outfielder Garrett Mitchell was shifted to the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move.
This may not seem like an exciting trade but Megill has some upside that the Brewers' pitching lab might be able to empower. Megill is 6' 8" with a fastball that ranks in the 93rd percentile for spin rate and a curveball that ranks in the 85th percentile for spin rate.
While Megill's ERA doesn't look pretty it's clear he has a good enough repertoire to be a solid reliever. Plus, a 3.29 FIP and 3.52 xFIP in 2022 would suggest that Megill was a little unlucky last season. The Brewers have been very good at maxing out the potential of pitchers like this.
This is a low-risk high-reward move for the Brewers. Megill has the tool set to be a strong major-league reliever, he just needs to put it together. Additionally, Megill has two minor league options left as a safety net.
Overall, this is a solid move by the Brewers. It will be interesting to see how the Brewers go about maxing out his potential this season.