The hot stove in baseball is heating up. Atlanta Braves signed Josh Donaldson and Brian McCann yesterday, and there are rumors everywhere about the biggest free agents in baseball. To me, teams and players seem to be adjusting to the new baseball market where big deals aren’t being handed out like candy. That’s why Donaldson took a one-year deal worth 23 million dollars. Baseball minds thought that trades could be a bigger factor this offseason, and a team that could be a player would be the Milwaukee Brewers. There’s a report out that the Brewers are interested in Madison Bumgarner of the San Francisco Giants. Why there’s a ton to think about when making a move like this one for Milwaukee.

Bumgarner is one of the best pitchers in baseball. There’s no question about it that he’s a bonafide ace pitcher that would be the leader of the Brewers rotation. Some could argue that Brewers may need that ace pitcher this season with Derek Johnson no longer on the staff. Bumgarner gives the Brewers that and a left-hander making him more difficult against opposing teams. Bumgarner excels in the postseason. He’s the best postseason pitcher in baseball. There’s no debate. The guy single-handily won the Giants last World Series by his pitching performance. He is an October legend. That alone drives up the interest and intrigue for me. Brewers could have used him last season, and it definitely puts them in a better position this postseason.

The cost will be high for MadBum. Corbin Burnes or Brandon Woodruff would probably be at the top of the Giants list. Parting ways with Burnes might be a difficult thing to do if the Brewers believe he can be an ace this season or the season after. Sure, injuries can happen, but if Burnes’ ceiling is that high, maybe it’s worth the risk to keep him and not give up the farm for Bumgarner who will be a free agent next season. Woodruff showed he can be a dominant starter as well in the postseason, and maybe he’s not an ace yet Woody could be a productive pitcher for the 2019 Brewers. If Woodruff is the main piece, it’s likely Milwaukee would have to give up more to get the former World Series MVP.

The other part of Bumgarner has nothing to do with his play on the field. He’s an asshole. There’s nothing in his career where it seems like he is a great teammate. Dude loves to win, and he does in a blue collar fashion where winning comes over everything else. How would he fit in with the Brewers’ clubhouse that is about as loose as any in baseball? Would that work for him? My guess is he would love Milwaukee being a small-town guy, but the chemistry issue is one that Brewers general manager David Stearns needs to think about before pulling the trigger.

I love MadBum. He’s one of my favorite pitchers to watch and the thought of him being considered by the Brewers is awesome. The price is high, and I’m not sure if he’s worth Burnes yet I’m going to trust Stearns if he pulls the trigger.

Charlie.