3 Biggest Team Needs for the Milwaukee Brewers Before the MLB Trade Deadline

With a 47-44 record, the Milwaukee Brewers haven't been nearly as dominant as the NLCS club they were last season. However, despite the regression, Milwaukee still sits just a half-game back of the first place Chicago Cubs in a tightly contested NL Central at the All-Star Break.

The Brew Crew already have a strong roster that should still be capable of a deep postseason run, but they'll need to address a few areas of need at the trade deadline if they want to make it back to October.

With that in mind, here are the Brewers' three biggest team needs ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

3. Utility Infielder

League Championship Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Milwaukee Brewers - Game Seven / Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Brewers are well set with their starting infield, but the club is in serious need of depth, especially now that Travis Shaw is down on the farm. Adding a veteran utility man, like Eric Sogard or Howie Kendrick, would give Milwaukee the depth it needs and an excellent insurance policy in case of an injury or if rookie Keston Huira shows he needs a little more time in the minors down the stretch.

2. Reliever

Milwaukee Brewers v Philadelphia Phillies / Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Josh Hader has completely locked down the ninth inning for the Brew Crew this year, but acquiring another dominant reliever for their bullpen should be a top priority by the deadline. The Brewers sit in the middle of the pack in bullpen ERA (4.37 ERA, No. 13 in MLB) this season and trading for a high-leverage arm, like Sergio Romo or Will Smith, would give manager Craig Counsel more options out of the pen to choose from and a reliable bridge to Hader.

1. Starting Pitcher

Philadelphia Phillies v Milwaukee Brewers / Dylan Buell/Getty Images

The Brewers have all the offensive firepower of a championship team, but ineffective starting pitching (4.82 ERA, No. 19 in MLB) has been a serious issue that could derail their postseason aspirations. The Brewers might not have much down on the farm to trade for a frontline starter like Max Scherzer, for example. However, swinging a deal for a high-upside rental like Zack Wheeler or Matthew Boyd should be just enough to see Milwaukee through to October.

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