MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Brewers should make

2. Sonny Gray, SP, Oakland Athletics

Ken Rosenthal reported Monday night that the Brewers have slipped in the running to acquire Sonny Gray from the Oakland A’s. Given Gray’s standing as arguably the most wanted pitcher in America, with the Yankees, Astros and Braves – all of whom have deep farm systems – among the strongest contenders, it isn’t surprising.

Nevertheless, the Brewers are still in the running. Also, Gray is the type of pitcher that fits Milwaukee’s current rebuilding strategy. Just 27 years old, Gray won’t be eligible for free agency until 2020. The five-year major league veteran has a 3.45 career ERA and 3.58 FIP, was an All-Star and finished third in the AL Cy Young vote in 2015, and bounced back from an ugly performance in 2016 to once again become one of the most consistent starters in the league.

Gray struggled with injuries in 2016 and it impacted his performance on the mound. In 22 starts, he recorded a 5.69 ERA and 4.67 FIP. He struck out 94 hitters, allowed 42 walks and 18 home runs, and surrendered 133 hits in 117 innings. His career marks for H/9 (10.2), HR/9 (1.4), BB/9 (3.2) and K/9 (7.2) were all the worst of his career.

After missing the first month of the season in 2017, Gray has posted a 3.66 ERA and 3.38 FIP in 15 starts. Gray has struck out 85 hitters in 91 innings, and has surrendered 79 hits, 28 walks and eight home runs. His H/9 (7.8), HR/9 (0.8), BB/9 (2.8) and K/9 (8.4) are all better than his career averages, as is his 1.176 WHIP.