Cincinnati Reds trade Jonathan Broxton to Milwaukee Brewers

The Cincinnati Reds currently sit at 65-71, good for forth place in a tough National League Central.

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Given that, the chances of Cincinnati making the postseason are slim to none and it appears the white flag has been raised as today they traded relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Broxton, who has closing experience, isn’t likely to take over for struggling closer Francisco Rodriguez (at least not currently) though he will provide solid insurance moving forward if a move does need to be made. For now, he’ll likely be used in a set-up role which makes a tough Milwaukee Brewers bullpen even stronger.

The addition of Jonathan Broxton isn’t just a rental move as the 30-year-old right hander is signed through the 2015 season and has a mutual $9 million dollar contract option for the 2016 season. If the Milwaukee Brewers decide to rid themselves of Broxton (which seems likely), they’ll be forced to buy him out for $1 million dollars.

It’s not known as to what the Brewers plan to do with the former closer beyond this season, though it’s very possible they could attempt to use him in the ninth inning if they decide not to bring back Francisco Rodriguez.

Jonathan Broxton, who has also played for the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Dodgers has spent the vast majority of his career in Southern California where he once saved 36 games for the Dodgers in 2009.

Owner of a 1.86 ERA this season, the Georgia native filled in at closer for the Reds earlier this year. Cincinnati’s return is said to include two PTBNL.