Rumored All-Star trade candidate fits Brewers’ style of play perfectly

The Milwaukee Brewers don't have a lot of "needs" this offseason, per se. The team's most notable free agent, Brandon Woodruff, may still yet return, and no other impending departures figure to seriously impact the overall roster.

However, that doesn't mean the team shouldn't actively be trying to add talent this winter. Sure, the Brewers won't be swimming in the nine-figure contract waters, but there are plenty of ways to add high-upside talent without shredding your wallet.

For instance: a blockbuster trade.

The Brewers have found themselves on the sell-side of some trade rumors already, but what if they choose to spend some prospect capital and buy? Tarik Skubal probably isn't going to be calling Milwaukee home anytime soon, but could they bring in an All-Star-caliber player who serves the fiscally-responsible overlords?

It just so happens that such a player might be available, and he perfectly fits the Brewers' modus operandi.

Steven Kwan should be a Brewers trade target this offseason

Yes, Steven Kwan is the man the Crew's braintrust should seriously pursue this offseason. A crowded outfield picture shouldn't sway them away from adding a guy who was tailor-made for this team.

To start, he's a four-time reigning Gold Glover in left field, and he'd immediately add some extra credibility to the Brewers' outfield defense. In turn, he'd push Christian Yelich into a permanent designated hitter role, while allowing Isaac Collins and Blake Perkins to serve as elite utility outfield (and maybe infield in Collins' case) options off the bench.

Also, he's one of the best bat-to-ball hitters in the sport; he's hitting .281/.351/.390 (112 wRC+) in his career, and his strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 8.7% in 2025. He's not the best power-hitting threat in the world, but he'd add a nice blend of all-around talent to the top of the Brewers' order.

As a 28-year-old with two years of team control remaining who has run a 100th percentile whiff rate in every year of his career, Kwan will cost something notable in a trade. Jesús Made is probably off-limits in trade talks, but one of Cooper Pratt or Jeferson Quero may have to serve as the centerpiece in any prospective return.

Plus, it has to be said: Trading for Kwan comes with the prerequisite of holding onto Freddy Peralta. Trading the ace and his $8 million salary, only to turn around and bring in Kwan and his projected $8.8 million salary, would be a PR nightmare. The Brewers have never cared about optics, but on the precipice of a potential lockout, that would be a really bad look.

But, if Mark Attanasio decides he actually wants to add money to the payroll to supplement a 97-win roster, the team could certainly do a lot worse than bringing in an All-Star outfielder.