The Milwaukee Brewers are in an uncomfortable situation.
They just won the NL Central division, but lost their manager Craig Counsell, and one of their aces, Brandon Woodruff, is expected to be out for most of 2024 after undergoing shoulder surgery.
There is another problem: Woodruff is slated for his final season of salary arbitration in 2024.
The Brewers would be open to trading him because they want to get something of value in return for the talented pitcher.
Teams around the league are reportedly considering Woodruff as a trade target with the hope he can contribute at some point in the second half.
“The Brewers are discussing Brandon Woodruff in trade conversations with multiple teams, as I reported on @MLBNetwork today. Woodruff will miss the start of ’24 after undergoing shoulder surgery, but teams see value in (a) having him for 2nd half and (b) QO value after ’24,” MLB insider Jon Morosi tweeted.
The Brewers are discussing Brandon Woodruff in trade conversations with multiple teams, as I reported on @MLBNetwork today.
Woodruff will miss the start of '24 after undergoing shoulder surgery, but teams see value in (a) having him for 2nd half and (b) QO value after '24.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 17, 2023
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Brewers are discussing a Woodruff trade with multiple teams.
The non-tender deadline is on Friday, and if the Brewers don’t find a deal of their liking throughout the day, they will likely cut Woodruff loose.
He underwent surgery to repair the anterior capsule in his right shoulder in October.
His arbitration expectation is around $11 million for the 2024 campaign.
It’s certainly a tough decision for everybody involved because any acquiring team should know that shoulder injuries are extremely delicate, and that he is just as likely to return in the second half as he is to miss the season entirely.
NEXT: Former Player Returns To Brewers For Key Coaching Role
