The Milwaukee Brewers have made a significant move to bolster their rotation by acquiring right-hander Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays. In exchange, the Brewers have sent infield prospect Gregory Barrios to the Rays. As part of the transaction, the Brewers designated righty Taylor Clarke for assignment.
This trade marks one of the first major deals of the 2024 season, addressing a critical need for the Brewers’ rotation depth while providing the Rays with long-term value as they prepare for the return of several key pitchers from injury. Right-hander Shane Baz, recovering from 2022 Tommy John surgery, is nearly ready to rejoin the team, and southpaw Jeffrey Springs is also close to returning from his Tommy John procedure. Righty Drew Rasmussen, who underwent an internal brace procedure last July, is further behind but progressing well.
With Baz, Springs, Zach Eflin, Zack Littell, Taj Bradley, and Ryan Pepiot forming a strong rotation core, the Rays were open to trading veteran rotation help, with Civale and Littell being primary candidates. This trade reflects the Rays’ strategy of trading from a position of strength, as they continually balance being buyers and sellers to maximize their roster.
Brewers Address Rotation Woes
The Brewers have been plagued by injuries in 2024, losing Wade Miley and Robert Gasser to Tommy John surgery and dealing with DL Hall’s knee sprain and Joe Ross’s back strain. As a result, they have already used 15 different starting pitchers this season. The acquisition of Civale brings much-needed stability to a rotation currently featuring Freddy Peralta, Bryse Wilson, Colin Rea, Tobias Myers, and recent addition Dallas Keuchel.
Civale, acquired by the Rays from Cleveland last July, has struggled to maintain his form, posting a 5.17 ERA in 132 1/3 innings despite improving his strikeout rate to 24.7%. His command remains solid with a 6.5% walk rate, but he has become more homer-prone, averaging 1.56 home runs per nine innings.
The Brewers hope their renowned pitching development program can help Civale rediscover his success from his Cleveland days, where he had a 3.77 ERA over 430 innings. Civale’s current contract, paying him $4.9 million in 2024 with arbitration eligibility through 2025, makes him a financially attractive option for Milwaukee.
Barrios Brings Potential to Rays
In exchange, the Rays receive Gregory Barrios, a promising infield defender who has impressed in High-A despite being one of the younger players in the league. Barrios is hitting .317/.361/.423 with a home run, 17 doubles, two triples, 16 steals, and an impressive 9.5% strikeout rate.
Barrios, ranked 21st among Brewers prospects by MLB.com, is known for his defensive prowess and potential to be a standout glove at shortstop. His offensive breakout this season makes him a valuable addition to the Rays’ system, with a potential MLB debut by late 2025 or early 2026.
Looking Ahead
This trade is unlikely to be the last for either team this season. The Brewers may still seek additional rotation help, leveraging their wealth of young outfielders. Meanwhile, the Rays could use their surplus of pitching talent to further strengthen their roster as they remain competitive in the AL Wild Card race.
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