SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 16: Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with his team, coaches, and trainers after clinching the National League West title during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Saturday, September 16, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Liv Lyons/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Milwaukee Brewers Had Serious Interest In 2023 World Series Winner (report)
The Milwaukee Brewers spent all of last season relying primarily upon one left-handed reliever. Hoby Milner was their go to southpaw whereas players like Clayton Andrews and Ethan Small were ineffective and were shuttled between the major and minor league levels. Additionally Justin Wilson and Aaron Ashby never saw big league action due to injuries.
How have the Milwaukee Brewers addressed their lack of left-handed bullpen depth this off-season?
This off-season Matt Arnold has acquired a few more left-handed relief options. He traded for Bryan Hudson and he also signed Rob Zastryzny and Jared Koenig to minor league contracts. According to one report from Robert Murray they also had serious interest in a lefty who played a significant role for the 2023 World Series winning Texas Rangers.
Aroldis Chapman reportedly drew serious interest from the Milwaukee Brewers.
MLB Insider Robert Murray recently revealed that a source informed him of the Brew Crew’s interest in Aroldis Chapman. He described it as “serious interest” but did not reveal if they ever got to the point of contract negotiations. Murray did indicate that Chapman would have given Milwaukee another left-handed difference maker in the bullpen.
The Pittsburgh Pirates ended up signing Aroldis Chapman.
After an exceptional 2023 season that began with the Kansas City Royals and ended with the Texas Rangers Aroldis Chapman secured himself a $10.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pittsburgh marks the third National League Central team that he has played for with the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds coming before that.
