Milwaukee Brewers are interested in trading for Will Smith, per report

Earlier this week, our own David Gibson speculated that left-handed pitcher Will Smith would be a logical trade target for the Milwaukee Brewers. Apparently David Stearns agreed. Three years after dealing Smith away to San Francisco at the 2016 MLB Trade Deadline, the Brewers are reportedly interested in bringing the southpaw back to help boost their bullpen down the stretch.

Per Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com, the Cardinals could be angling to make a run at Smith if they are still within striking distance of the top of the division by the end of the month. In addition to St. Louis, the Dodgers, Braves, Rangers, and Brewers are interested in acquiring the pitcher’s services.

Smith, who turned 30 a few days ago, was traded from Milwaukee to the Giants one of few ‘losing’ deals executed by Slingin’ Stearns. He sent the lefty to the Bay in exchange for Andrew Susac, who is no longer with the organization, as well as Phil Bickford, who has been injured, suspended, and failed to advance beyond high-A ball during his time with Milwaukee.

Smith, on the other hand, has been a lights-out reliever for the Giants. He missed all of 2017 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but overall he has made 117 appearances and pitched 107.2 innings with a 2.42 ERA and 2.00 FIP while donning a San Francisco uniform. He figures to be a highly sought after commodity at this year’s deadline, as he owns a 1.98 ERA in 36.1 innings with 53 strikeouts against only eight walks while going a perfect 23-for-23 in save chances.

Statstics courtesy of Fangraphs