The Padres reliever not named Mason Miller who the Brewers should be targeting at trade deadline

Less than one week remains until MLB's trade deadline, and all signs are pointing to the Milwaukee Brewers being more aggressive than they have been in recent years. That shouldn't necessarily have fans expecting a blockbuster deal, but it does mean that the front office is willing to pursue higher-impact talent capable of making a meaningful difference during a postseason run.

In a recent report for MLB.com, Brewers beat writer Adam McCalvy noted that Matt Arnold and Milwaukee's front office have at least checked in on San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller, the top reliever being shopped ahead of the trade deadline. With multiple years of team control remaining, however, Miller would command a massive trade package.

Fortunately for Milwaukee, there's another Padres arm who could fill a key need without requiring nearly the same prospect haul. Left-hander Adrian Morejon has established himself as a high-leverage weapon in recent seasons, and he's taken another step forward in 2026, which has been accompanied by an uptick in velocity. Better yet for the Brewers, Morejon is a pending free agent, making him a much more affordable trade target than Miller.

Adrian Morejon is the reliever the Brewers should be targeting from the Padres at this year's trade deadline

At 27 years old, Morejon is in his eighth big-league season, all of which have been with the Padres. While he owns a career 3.38 ERA, 53 holds, and six saves, he's really bloomed over the last three seasons, posting a 2.83 ERA in 2023 over 60 games, a 2.08 mark in 75 games last year, and a 3.20 ERA in 49 appearances so far this season.

Remarkably, the velocity on his sinker is averaging 99.5 MPH this year, up 1.8 MPH from a season ago. He's also generating whiffs 51% of the time on his changeup, which has 33.1 inches of true downward movement. His ground ball, barrel, chase, and whiff rates all rank in the 95th percentile or higher, as does his increased average fastball velocity.

Between the uptick in his stuff on the mound, proven track record in high-leverage situations, affordable acquisition cost, and ability to fill Milwaukee's need for a late-inning left-hander (something missing with Jared Koenig still looking to find his form again), Morejon checks every box for the Brewers. His name may not be super popular, but he could end up being a very impactful trade deadline addition for the Brew Crew.

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