MLB Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Brewers could put pressure on Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are still chasing the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central as we hit the final days of July. As it stands on July 24th, the Cubs are seven games back of the Brewers going into the Pittsburgh Pirates series.

While the Cubs have played better baseball of late, the Brewers are also playing better and have been able to keep their lead in the division. Milwaukee is doing it with an all-around effort. Their lineup has been good top to bottom but it’s the pitching that has been fantastic for the Brewers.

And there’s a chance they could get even better.

The latest rumors ahead of the early August trade deadline surround the Brewers and the chance for them to add an elite pitcher. Possibly two. That would put the pressure on the Cubs even more.

Milwaukee Brewers connected to top pitching trade targets

As one of the best teams in baseball, the Brewers are clearly buyers at this upcoming MLB Trade Deadline. But how big of targets will they pursue? On Thursday, MLB.com writer Adam McCalvy reported that the Brewers have checked in on a pair of big names — Mason Miller and Tarik Skubal.

Yes, that means Milwaukee officials have touched base with Detroit about starter Tarik Skubal, and with San Diego about closer Mason Miller. But the Tigers and Padres must first decide to trade those players, and the Brewers must decide how much to deal from their young crop of Major League starters or from MLB Pipeline’s top-ranked Minor League system.

As McCalvy notes, the Brewers have the top minor league system. That allows them to go out and pursue basically whoever they want at the deadline. Skubal probably makes the most sense since they lost Brandon Woodruff for the season. He’s also under contract only for this year so it’s the perfect short-term rental for Milwaukee.

Miller has been fantastic again this season in San Diego. He’s a Super Two player, remaining under team control through arbitration for three additional seasons before reaching free agency.

Milwaukee landing one of these pitchers would put the pressure on the Cubs. Not only should the Cubs pursue top pitchers but if Milwaukee lands one, the Cubs will really have to move quick to land someone else.

The next few weeks will get very interesting.

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