What do Rogers, Bush and co. bring to the Crew? Get to know Milwaukee's trade acquisitions

August 3rd, 2022

The Brewers traded Josh Hader to the Padres on Monday, marking the end of his historic run as Milwaukee’s closing pitcher.

With a resume that includes four All-Star appearances, over 500 strikeouts and 125 saves, Hader goes down as one of the best closers in franchise history.

But the Brewers still managed to add to their roster ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, including a variety of bullpen arms and prospects.

Here’s a look at the fresh faces that are headed to Milwaukee after the trade deadline.

Taylor Rogers

Trading an elite closer like Josh Hader normally signifies that a long rebuild is ahead for a franchise. However, with Rogers joining the Brewers, the team gets a quality arm that’s ready to contribute – with plenty of closing experience, too.

An All-Star in 2021, Rogers spent six seasons with the Twins before becoming San Diego’s full-time closer in 2022. Now in his seventh big league season, Rogers has collected a 3.29 ERA for his career.

This season, Rogers ranks second in MLB with 28 saves, only trailing Hader, while also posting a strong 2.35 FIP.

The Brewers haven’t committed to a set closer in the ninth inning. But as a lefty with plenty of closing experience, Rogers looks set to join Devin Williams at the back end of the Brewers bullpen.

Matt Bush

Bush, a 36-year-old pitcher, was acquired from the Rangers on Monday night for Antoine Kelly and Mark Mathias.

The righty was an effective option for Texas this season, boasting a 2.95 ERA with 45 strikeouts – good for 11 strikeouts per nine.

Bush is currently amid his most impressive stretch of the season. In his last 12 appearances (two starts), he’s surrendered just a .077 batting average while holding opponents scoreless.

With the addition of Bush, the Brewers have bolstered the revamped bullpen with another electric arm. Plus, Bush is more than just a rental, as he’s under team control through 2025.

Trevor Rosenthal

The Brewers acquired Rosenthal via a trade with the San Francisco Giants within the final hour of the deadline on Monday.

Rosenthal is a familiar name in the National League Central, as he played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2012-2017. He recorded 48 saves on his way to an All-Star appearance in 2015.

The former closer last pitched in 2020, where he compiled a 1.90 ERA in 23.2 innings of work for the Royals and Padres.

The newest Brewers pitcher looks to make his return to MLB after rehabbing from a hamstring injury. If healthy, he should slot in as an effective middle relief option for manager Craig Counsell.

Esteury Ruiz

Ruiz, a 23-year-old outfielder, enters the Milwaukee system as the Brewers ninth-ranked prospect after a hot start to the 2022 season.

Bouncing between Double-A and Triple-A in the Padres system, Ruiz has slashed .333/.467/.560 in nearly 400 plate appearances. Ruiz also made his MLB debut in July, appearing in 14 games and posting a .222 batting average.

His breakout at the plate in the minors has been complemented by his elite speed, which he’s used to swipe a whopping 60 bases in just 77 games this season

Signed out of the Dominican Republic as an infielder, his wheels have allowed him to make an easy transition to the outfield. Ruiz has spent most of this season in center field, and it may be his quickest route to a Brewers debut.

Robert Gasser

Gasser, a left-handed starting pitcher, ranked No. 7 in the Padres system, according to MLB.com.

The 23-year-old has spent the 2022 season playing for Class-A Fort Wayne, where he logged a 4.18 ERA in 90.1 innings pitched.

Gasser’s arsenal includes a four-seam fastball that sits in the low-90s, plus a slider and a changeup. Demonstrating effective command, he’s collected an impressive 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings this season.

The lefty slots in as the eighth ranked prospect in the Crew’s system. He’ll get his first taste of Double-A baseball with the Biloxi Shuckers.