Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers Could Line Up on Brock Stewart Trade

[Cody Schoenmann]

Entering the All-Star break, border "rivals" Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers are headed in different directions. Sitting five games back of the final Wild Card spot, currently held by the Seattle Mariners, the struggling Twins currently possess a 19.5% chance of making the postseason. Milwaukee, on the other hand, sits just 3 1/2 games back of the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs while in sole possession of the NL's second wild card spot, sporting a 65.2% chance of earning a postseason spot.

Now, Minnesota and Milwaukee's respective standings and situations could shift significantly by the July 31 Trade Deadline, for better or worse. That said, as things stand, Minnesota is preparing to become sellers while Milwaukee will be looking to fortify its club as it chases down Milwaukee for the NL Central crown. Milwaukee's second-most pressing need (after acquiring a power bat who can play first base and the corner outfield, a department the Twins unfortunately cannot assist them in) is fortifying the back end of its bullpen. Trevor Megill is enshrined as the club's closer, with Abner Uribe and Nick Mears functioning as the other high-leverage right-handed relievers. Still, the club would benefit from one more right-handed throwing late-inning reliever: enter Minnesota.

Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax are the most appealing arms in the back-end of the Twins' bullpen. That said, given the significant price it would cost to acquire either high-leverage reliever's services, there is reason to believe Milwaukee (like almost every other team) will be unwilling to meet Minnesota's demands. Still, there are other high-leverage right-handed throwing Minnesota relievers who should be easier to acquire, headlined by Brock Stewart, who would fit perfectly in the Brewers' bullpen.

Since getting activated off the 15-day IL on Apr. 19, Stewart has been incredible for Minnesota, sporting a 2.70 ERA, 2.78 FIP, and a 35-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 26 2/3 innings pitched. The 33-year-old has played an integral role in the Twins having the second-best bullpen FIP and Wins Above Replacement (fWAR) in baseball, according to FanGraphs. Nevertheless, rostering Durán, Jax, Louis Varland, Cole Sands, and Danny Coulombe (who could also be moved at the deadline), Minnesota possesses the bullpen depth necessary to sustain the blow of parting ways with Stewart, making a trade with Milwaukee realistic.

If Minnesota and Milwaukee were to align on a trade, there is reason to believe Twins decision-makers would opt to acquire a position player prospect, given how deep the organization's pitching depth has become in recent seasons. Minnesota has become rich in outfield and infield prospect depth with Walker Jenkins, Luke Keaschall, Kaelen Culpepper, and the oft-injured Emmanuel Rodriguez becoming near-consensus Top 100 prospects the previous two seasons. That said, the organization's catching prospect depth has become incredibly thin. Interestingly, a young, recently drafted catcher has quickly risen through Milwaukee's system this season, meaning the two clubs could align the mock trade listed below:

• Brewers receive: right-handed reliever Brock Stewart
• Twins receive: catching prospect Marco Dinges

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 MLB Amateur Draft out of Florida State University, Dinges underwent a robust start to his 2025 campaign, posting a 202 wRC+ over 112 plate appearances at Low-A Carolina. The 21-year-old has since earned a promotion to High-A, posting a similarly impressive 164 wRC+ over 244 plate appearances for Wisconsin (or, should I say, Appleton). Ranked as Milwaukee's ninth-best prospect, according to Brewer Fanatic, Dinges possesses plus bat speed and raw speed and could develop into a 20+ home run hitter at the major league level. Despite limited experience as a backstop (he began catching his senior year of high school), the Florida State product is a plus athlete who possesses a near-elite arm and could stay at the position at the major league level.

Even if Dinges is unable to stick at catcher, there is reason to believe his bat could play at first base or the corner outfield, making him an intriguing potential acquisition for Minnesota. Again, Stewart has been an incredible reliever (when healthy) since joining Minnesota halfway through the 2023 season. With Minnesota's playoff hopes waning and Milwaukee set to fortify its bullpen as it pursues Chicago for the NL Central crown, Minnesota would be wise to trade from a unit of strength to acquire a prospect who could develop into its long-term catcher. Asking Milwaukee to part ways with Dinges during his breakout 2025 campaign would be a significant ask. Yet, given the fact that Stewart possesses two-and-a-half more seasons of control at cheap arb-2 and arb-3 salaries, this potential trade could make sense for both organizations' short and long-term plans.

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[mickster]

This one is solid - but we have some iffy arms in the pen, and we will then lean on the big guns a bit much.

[Linus]

I would do that deal in a heartbeat which probably means Milwaukee wouldn’t. 

[jorgenswest]

Assuming they are sellers I would move any or all of Topa, Coulombe and Stewart. Catcher should be a target both long term and next year. Dinges is a good target. I would also like to see them take a shot at a failed prospect like Campusano in return for one of their expiring contracts.

[DJL44]

Sports Illustrated (or the zombie remainders of that magazine) is reporting (quoting the Athletic) that other teams have shifted scouts to follow the Twins in preparation of the trade deadline.

 

[NYCTK]

49 minutes ago, mickster said:

This one is solid - but we have some iffy arms in the pen, and we will then lean on the big guns a bit much.

Not an issue once they're traded too 🤞

[NYCTK]

39 minutes ago, Linus said:

I would do that deal in a heartbeat which probably means Milwaukee wouldn’t. 

I think they would do this deal. Dinges is on the peripheral of their top 30 prospects according to Fangraphs and MLB. The fan scouting report ranking him higher could very well be in line with how they view him internally, but I'm guessing the 2024 4th rounder isn't exactly prized by their front office. Especially with them getting 4 picks in the top 70 next week. 

No one's trading for him until deadline day, making very sure that he's healthy before committing to him. But this is potentially a great deal for both teams. 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

We seem to have some parts getting healthy I'm not sure now would be the time to be sellers but if so I think for the most part its just marginal pieces.  I don't see us getting rid of Buxton, Ober, Ryan, Correa, Jax or Duran.  So what does that leave us with.  

1. Harrison Bader -  With a very solid bat this year and excellent defense,  I would think he would be the highest value.  He has a mutual option year at $10 million for next year.   

2. Castro -  Could get some decent return.  

3.  Stewart - consistently injured,  consistently elite pitching when available 

4. Ty France,  the definition of mediocre this year,  but a professional bat for 1 million dollar and above average defense might find someone wanting as a back up like last year in Cincy.  Would we be willing to run with Julien or Clemens?  

 I suppose someone could try to pick off a Varland or Sands but the cost is too high.  I also don't think anyone really wants Vazquez and we don't have anyone to put as a backup in my opinion.   

[1985Fan]

The author states that “Minnesota is preparing to become sellers”. Everything I’ve read from Falvey says differently. Is there any evidence that Falvey is going to sell? I know fans want him to, but he’s publicly saying that he may be a buyer. I think he’ll stand pat again this year, sorry to disappoint the fans. But what does Falvey care what fans think?! He’s the smartest baseball guy he knows. 

[Dman]

Brewers would do that deal in a heartbeat. That would net them a closer type arm on a cheap salary for the next few years. Stewart isn't even arb eligible until 2026.  Granted he is 34 in October.  Still if the Brewers want a high octane arm with years of control on the cheap side this would be an incredible deal for them IMO. They would also have the ability to trade him for something better than they gave up at the end of the season.  I would think they would be very interested in that deal.  

I think that's a fair bit of risk for Minnesota.  He hasn't hit above high A.  Its a max effort swing that might not handle the breaking stuff they throw at AA and AAA let alone the majors.  It is also all small sample sizes.  Only 26 games at A ball last year with regression already in 32 games at High A.  I wouldn't want to base my decision on so few games especially at the lower levels.

It's an interesting profile but more as a lottery ticket than headliner IMO.

I'd think the Twins would want more for 3 plus years of control of an elite pen arm

[mickster]

26 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

We seem to have some parts getting healthy I'm not sure now would be the time to be sellers but if so I think for the most part its just marginal pieces.  I don't see us getting rid of Buxton, Ober, Ryan, Correa, Jax or Duran.  So what does that leave us with.  

1. Harrison Bader -  With a very solid bat this year and excellent defense,  I would think he would be the highest value.  He has a mutual option year at $10 million for next year.   

2. Castro -  Could get some decent return.  

3.  Stewart - consistently injured,  consistently elite pitching when available 

4. Ty France,  the definition of mediocre this year,  but a professional bat for 1 million dollar and above average defense might find someone wanting as a back up like last year in Cincy.  Would we be willing to run with Julien or Clemens?  

 I suppose someone could try to pick off a Varland or Sands but the cost is too high.  I also don't think anyone really wants Vazquez and we don't have anyone to put as a backup in my opinion.   

I want Bader back, he has a mutual option and if wants back I think we keep him.    Castro - very valuable, but doubtful we pay him the value he can get so he is the most likely to be traded.   France won't bring back much, and salary won't change much next year.

[Dman]

22 minutes ago, 1985Fan said:

The author states that “Minnesota is preparing to become sellers”. Everything I’ve read from Falvey says differently. Is there any evidence that Falvey is going to sell? I know fans want him to, but he’s publicly saying that he may be a buyer. I think he’ll stand pat again this year, sorry to disappoint the fans. But what does Falvey care what fans think?! He’s the smartest baseball guy he knows. 

We won't know what really makes sense until the deadline.  Falvey has to say he isn't focused on selling and that he believes in team.  For one he created the team so it looks bad if you don't support what you put together.  For another being only four games back of a wild card spot if the team does go on a run they could stand pat and go for it. They are not dead yet, but given the way this team has performed the last three months they don't look like a contender. even if they do make the wild card.

It wouldn't make sense for him to say this early that the team has really disappointed and we are looking at selling.  When the time is right which will likely be a week before the deadline he'll fess up to what they are going to do for real.

[MMMordabito]

Dingus? I'm in.

[Road trip]

25 minutes ago, mickster said:

I want Bader back, he has a mutual option and if wants back I think we keep him.    Castro - very valuable, but doubtful we pay him the value he can get so he is the most likely to be traded.   France won't bring back much, and salary won't change much next year.

Here's the rub:  If Bader keeps up this pace he is likely going to get more than his $10 million option on the open market.  There aren't many free agents this winter who can play a good CF and potentially hit well, and at age 31 this is Bader's last realistic chance to lock up a multi-year deal.  What's his incentive to sign for a single year? However, if Bader's bat regresses to his 2022-2024 levels for the rest of this year (OPS+ range of 69 to 87) do you still want him back for $10 million?

Back to the main topic, yeah I'd trade Stewart at the deadline for a good catching prospect as I don't expect Stewart to remain healthy long term, but I've sort of given up on making the playoffs this season.  

[Doctor Gast]

MIL might be interested in a Stewart/ Dinges trade. Dinges has a really nice bat. But he's very raw at catching. MIL can develop him into a catcher, MN can't. What good is it to trade for prospects when we can't develop them & won't trade them? It wouldn't be fair to Dinges. We need a young, promising MLB-ready catcher yesterday not hoping for another prospect to miraculously become a catcher sometime in the future.

MIL does have a young, promising MLB-ready catcher in Jefferson Quero. Offering Duran could land him but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[mickster]

2 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

MIL might be interested in a Stewart/ Dinges trade. Dinges has a really nice bat. But he's very raw at catching. MIL can develop him into a catcher, MN can't. What good is it to trade for prospects when we can't develop them & won't trade them? It wouldn't be fair to Dinges. We need a young, promising MLB-ready catcher yesterday not hoping for another prospect to miraculously become a catcher sometime in the future.

MIL does have a young, promising MLB-ready catcher in Jefferson Quero. Offering Duran could land him but I wouldn't hold my breath.

offer Lewis, not Duran.   

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

We seem to have some parts getting healthy I'm not sure now would be the time to be sellers but if so I think for the most part its just marginal pieces.  I don't see us getting rid of Buxton, Ober, Ryan, Correa, Jax or Duran.  So what does that leave us with.  

1. Harrison Bader -  With a very solid bat this year and excellent defense,  I would think he would be the highest value.  He has a mutual option year at $10 million for next year.   

2. Castro -  Could get some decent return.  

3.  Stewart - consistently injured,  consistently elite pitching when available 

4. Ty France,  the definition of mediocre this year,  but a professional bat for 1 million dollar and above average defense might find someone wanting as a back up like last year in Cincy.  Would we be willing to run with Julien or Clemens?  

 I suppose someone could try to pick off a Varland or Sands but the cost is too high.  I also don't think anyone really wants Vazquez and we don't have anyone to put as a backup in my opinion.   

Danny Coulombe will be coveted as a lefthanded reliever.

[Twins GFP]

Going off the idea that the Twins will be sellers, I see the Twins keeping one of the Jax/Duran duo, and Varland. Everyone else in the bullpen can be had.

The proposed trade feels a little light on the return (not a ton, just a little), but this an actual deal worth considering (unlike previous articles).

[Mike Sixel]

I think I'd want more than that in return..

[Road trip]

1 hour ago, Doctor Gast said:

MIL might be interested in a Stewart/ Dinges trade. Dinges has a really nice bat. But he's very raw at catching. MIL can develop him into a catcher, MN can't. What good is it to trade for prospects when we can't develop them & won't trade them? It wouldn't be fair to Dinges. We need a young, promising MLB-ready catcher yesterday not hoping for another prospect to miraculously become a catcher sometime in the future.

 

While Jeffers will never win a gold glove, I think you have to call him a development success story.  My recollection is that he was considered a really raw, bat-first catcher out of college.  He now looks like he may be the best player taken in the 2nd round of the 2018 draft.  

(and we will conveniently ignore the catcher taken in round 3 by the Mariners... but everyone passed on him at least twice).

[Doctor Gast]

1 hour ago, Road trip said:

While Jeffers will never win a gold glove, I think you have to call him a development success story.  My recollection is that he was considered a really raw, bat-first catcher out of college.  He now looks like he may be the best player taken in the 2nd round of the 2018 draft.  

(and we will conveniently ignore the catcher taken in round 3 by the Mariners... but everyone passed on him at least twice).

Jeffers & Garver gave a lot of credit to Tanner Swanson for their development but he's long gone. I haven't heard or seen anything good concerning Conger & Co.

Raleigh didn't grade out that well in offense or defense (he had a below-average arm), but SEA saw something they liked & was able in time develop him into a premier catcher.

 

[TopGunn#22]

In the current state the Twins find themselves in, I'd do this trade.  Anyone who has watched the Twins play this year knows this team is flawed.  Stewart has been outstanding when healthy and I think Dinges is a good target.

Honestly, fringe players, especially on the last year of their contract---Bader, Castro, Coulombe, Paddack...ALL of these guys should be dealt.  Stewart, while controlled for a couple more years is a good piece to get something good back.  

I agree that I could see the Twins trade one of Duran or Jax, keeping the other one for your closer in 2026.  I wouldn't think of moving Varland.  I'd even consider moving SWR if I liked what was coming back.

This is a time to rebalance the roster.  Bring in some prospects from "A" ball to AAA ball and see if we can bring a skill set or three we don't currently have.  The Twins can be sellers and still possibly contend for a Wild Card if Lopez, Keaschall, E-Rod and others get healthy and are brought up to see what they can do.   Lewis getting healthier and hitting would be a big plus.  Wallner as well.  

[tony&rodney]

There are opportunities. The question is how aggressive and at what cost do the Twins pursue players?

The Dodgers could use all of Stewart, Bader, Castro, and Paddack but won't want all of them. What can be pried loose from LAD? Emmet Sheehan and/or River Ryan? Add pieces to push for Dalton Rushing?

The Rays could use Bader and Stewart and I like the OBP and glove of Tre' Morgan. 

Milwaukee could use an infielder and a relief pitcher. I'm asking what needs to go their way for Jeferson Quero.

There are opportunities. Bader, Castro, Paddack, and  Coulombe should have some value to other teams.

[DocBauer]

Sorry, but absolutely NOT.

While he's not young, and has had an injury history in the past, Stewart is very good, showing zero signs of slipping, and is controlled for a couple more years. He has also stated that his latest procedure has him feeling better than he has in years!

IF the Twins sell, you also have to think about next season. The only reason Stewart is #4 in the Twins pen right now is a late state to this year, and the emergence of Varland. (Hopefully Varland's arm doesn't fall off). Alcala didn't work out and is gone. Varland has made an outstanding conversion and Sands has done a good job, even if he's down from last season. (Which isn't completely surprising considering how tremendous he was). Who is next, right now, for them to convert and replace Stewart? Which talented young arm at the top 2 levels are you converting tomorrow to take his spot? There's more than a couple 7th-8th pen arm options that might be really good middle men, but nobody I can think of to convert to a late arm at this time.

And isn't the biggest problem the offense? What does a A ball catcher do for the 2026 and maybe even the 2027 teams?

The Twins drafted Diaw last year, and also drafted Jaime Ferrer, who was a highly ranked prep catcher. But such a good athlete, with a solid bat, and teammate Dinges ALSO recruited to FL State, Ferrer spent most of his time in the OF. Now he's being given a chance to play catcher again. And while Diaw is, unfortunately, out for the season with a broken finger, they both are at A+ right now.

I'm sorry to those who are CRAVING and INSTANT fix for another catcher to team with Jeffers, and maybe be a future replacement, but this makes ZERO sense for the Twins to do.

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Sorry, but absolutely NOT.

While he's not young, and has had an injury history in the past, Stewart is very good, showing zero signs of slipping, and is controlled for a couple more years. He has also stated that his latest procedure has him feeling better than he has in years!

Stewart has a long history of injury. He might pitch until the end of his team control and he might throw the last pitch of his career before the season ends.

[DocBauer]

3 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Stewart has a long history of injury. He might pitch until the end of his team control and he might throw the last pitch of his career before the season ends.

Yep. Absolutely. And we all know, or should know, that a pen arm is a volatile arm except for the great ones.

But I just can't trade an arm this good for an A ball catcher that's at least a couple years away and ignore said arm that is looking great and feels awesome.

You look for a steal of an arm this good as a steal. We got one. I'd bet on Stewart for the next year or two vs an A level catcher and leave my 2026 pen short handed. 

Just my opinion.

[Mike Sixel]

3 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Sorry, but absolutely NOT.

While he's not young, and has had an injury history in the past, Stewart is very good, showing zero signs of slipping, and is controlled for a couple more years. He has also stated that his latest procedure has him feeling better than he has in years!

IF the Twins sell, you also have to think about next season. The only reason Stewart is #4 in the Twins pen right now is a late state to this year, and the emergence of Varland. (Hopefully Varland's arm doesn't fall off). Alcala didn't work out and is gone. Varland has made an outstanding conversion and Sands has done a good job, even if he's down from last season. (Which isn't completely surprising considering how tremendous he was). Who is next, right now, for them to convert and replace Stewart? Which talented young arm at the top 2 levels are you converting tomorrow to take his spot? There's more than a couple 7th-8th pen arm options that might be really good middle men, but nobody I can think of to convert to a late arm at this time.

And isn't the biggest problem the offense? What does a A ball catcher do for the 2026 and maybe even the 2027 teams?

The Twins drafted Diaw last year, and also drafted Jaime Ferrer, who was a highly ranked prep catcher. But such a good athlete, with a solid bat, and teammate Dinges ALSO recruited to FL State, Ferrer spent most of his time in the OF. Now he's being given a chance to play catcher again. And while Diaw is, unfortunately, out for the season with a broken finger, they both are at A+ right now.

I'm sorry to those who are CRAVING and INSTANT fix for another catcher to team with Jeffers, and maybe be a future replacement, but this makes ZERO sense for the Twins to do.

Diaw is hurt and likely out for the year ....

[Doctor Wu]

9 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Stewart has a long history of injury. He might pitch until the end of his team control and he might throw the last pitch of his career before the season ends.

Yep, that's the main reason that the Twins should trade him ASAP and get as much as they can for him. Great arm to have in the bullpen but his injury history is worrisome.