By landing Dustin May, the Milwaukee Brewers preserved top-tier prospects while gaining an arm that is currently outshining Tarik Skubal.
The Milwaukee Brewers entered the trade deadline with interest in one of the very best pitchers in MLB.
That pitcher was two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.
Rumors and speculation surrounded Milwaukee for months as the team explored adding another elite arm for the postseason push. The Brewers do not typically pursue blockbuster moves of that magnitude, but they made a serious attempt.
Milwaukee arguably offered more than the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Detroit Tigers ultimately accepted Los Angeles’ package.
Despite that, the Brewers were heavily criticized across social media and throughout MLB for failing to land Skubal.
Brewers made a smart decision
Milwaukee did try, though, and there is an argument that the organization was smart not to go beyond its limit.
The Brewers had No. 2 overall prospect Luis Peña available in discussions, but four players were considered untouchable, including Logan Henderson. That apparently became the major obstacle in negotiations.
Instead, Milwaukee acquired Dustin May and JoJo Romero from the St. Louis Cardinals for outfield prospects Alexander Frias and Josiah Ragsdale.
The Brewers surrendered two intriguing prospects but avoided touching the top of their farm system while adding a legitimate starter and a much-needed left-handed reliever.
Through a small sample, May has actually outperformed Skubal since the deadline.
May has made two starts for Milwaukee and he has a 2.08 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 13 innings. In comparison, Skubal has a 3.18 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 17 innings across three starts for the Dodgers.
Milwaukee faced Skubal in the series finale against Los Angeles on Sunday while sending Henderson to the mound, the same pitcher the Brewers refused to include in a deal for the superstar left-hander.
The Brewers won 6-2 to take three out of four in Los Angeles. Skubal gave up two runs (one earned) on seven hits with seven strikeouts and two walks in six innings to take the loss. Henderson allowed one run on three hits (one home run) with six strikeouts and a walk and got the win.
May’s upside
The sample remains small, but May’s early performance has reinforced why Milwaukee was comfortable pivoting rather than overpaying.
May brings experience, a deep arsenal and the ability to give the Brewers meaningful innings without forcing the organization to sacrifice its best young talent.
His resilience also matters. After battling significant injuries throughout his career, he has continued adjusting and finding ways to remain effective.
Milwaukee preserved Henderson, kept Peña, added May and strengthened the bullpen with Romero.
Peña has continued producing in the minors, while Henderson remains an important part of the rotation.
The Brewers wanted Skubal. They did not get him.
So far, their alternative plan looks more than defensible.
