As the Milwaukee Brewers gear up for the new season, they're facing a bit of a challenge with their starting rotation. Injuries have left them with a lineup that's not only short on experience but also missing some key players.
Brandon Woodruff's status for the season's start is still uncertain, and Quinn Priester is set to be sidelined for at least a month. This situation has put Jacob Misiorowski in the spotlight as the likely Opening Day starter.
Joining Misiorowski, Chad Patrick has secured his spot in the rotation. Meanwhile, pitchers like Kyle Harrison, Shane Drohan, Brandon Sproat, Robert Gasser, and Logan Henderson are battling it out for the remaining positions.
Given the current injuries and the inexperience of the available pitchers, it's not out of the question for the Brewers to consider bringing in a seasoned arm. MLB insider Robert Murray has hinted at this possibility, linking the Brewers to free agent Lucas Giolito.
Murray suggests that Giolito could be a valuable addition to the Brewers, especially considering the team's knack for maximizing pitcher performance. With Freddy Peralta's $8 million salary off the books, the Brewers might have the financial flexibility to make this move.
Giolito, a right-hander, has had his ups and downs over his nine-year MLB career. However, his 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox was impressive, featuring 26 starts, 145 innings pitched, and a 3.41 ERA. A flexor strain kept him out of the playoffs, but he's reportedly back on track with his offseason program.
Milwaukee might hesitate due to their experience with Nestor Cortes, who struggled with similar issues last season. Yet, if more injuries occur, the Brewers could feel the pressure to bring in a veteran like Giolito on a potentially budget-friendly one-year deal.