Ranking the best suitors for Jake Arrieta
By Tre LyDay
3. Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers were without a doubt the surprise of the National League last season. Even more surprising than the Colorado Rockies. Outside of Eric Thames the most surprising part of their season was their pitching staff. Zach Davies, Jimmy Nelson, and Chase Anderson were all better than expected.
The only reason we can have the same expectations from them this season is because they’re so young, and can really only go up from here. Unfortunately, they have a couple holes in the back end. Matt Garza is now a free agent and has to recover from a torn labrum that could possibly end his career, and the Brewers may be having second thoughts on making Josh Hader a starter, because he throws so hard, and that’s how bullpens are built nowadays.
They may be without Jimmy Nelson to start the season as he recovers from a partial anterior labrum tear and rotator cuff strain. So why not bring in the veteran Arrieta to not only fill out the rotation but to also serve as a viable replacement to Nelson while they await his return.
The Brewers also don’t stress whether they get ground ball outs or strikeouts, they just ask their pitchers to get outs however they can get them. They won’t ask too much of Arrieta (not that they would), but he could be a really nice addition to a team that’s only going to get better.