Grading the Brewers' trades involving Josh Hader, Matt Bush

The MLB trade deadline is a crazy time. On Monday, the Milwaukee Brewers made two separate trades. Both deals will have an immediate impact on the current bullpen. Here we will take a look at the Brewers final grade after both of Monday’s trades.

The first trade was a shocking one in which Josh Hader was sent to the San Diego Padres in return for Taylor Rodgers, Dinelson Lamet, Robert Gasser and Esteury Ruiz. A second trade with the Texas Rangers brought in Matt Bush in exchange for Mark Mathias and Antoine Kelly.

Of the players coming to Milwaukee, Robert Gasser is the only player without big-league experience. Rodgers, a veteran closer, is expected to serve in high leverage spots for the Brewers. Lamet, a former starter converted to the bullpen, has not seen good results this year but he does have the potential to be very good. Ruiz is a speedy outfielder who made his MLB debut this season. Bush is a hard-throwing 36-year-old pitcher who excels at striking batters out.

Brewers combined grade after both trades: A-

Losing superstar closer Josh Hader while in first place and during the middle of the season feels strange, but the Brewers did a good job of keeping the bullpen strong both now and in seasons to come. Rodgers is set to be a free agent after this season. Lamet and Bush both have years of club control remaining.

With bringing in MLB-ready relievers, the floor of the Brewers bullpen improved. This year, the Brewers had been relying upon players such as: Peter Strzelecki, Trevor Kelly, Jason Alexander and a few others to make an impact. Rodgers, Lamet and Bush are all immediate improvements.

Additionally, the Brewers parted ways with two players that they were unlikely to retain. It was a long shot that the Brewers would be able to sign Hader to a massive contract extension.  Secondly, Kelly is rule 5 draft eligible this offseason. Between extending Hader and protecting Kelly, who hasn’t pitched past the High-A level in the minors, Milwaukee brought in pieces to help the team this year and in the future.

The MLB trade deadline is Tuesday. It seems likely that the Brewers will be targeting some players to boost the offense.