Though not exactly a blockbuster, two contenders have gotten together on a deal that seems to make sense for both sides from a depth perspective. The Yankees are sending lefty reliever Tyler Webb to the Brewers for Triple-A first baseman Garrett Cooper.
On the Brewers' side, Cooper was blocked from the big-league level by Eric Thames and Jesus Aguilar. He was also hitting .366/.428/.652 with 29 doubles, 17 homers and 82 RBI in 75 games for Triple-A Colorado Springs. Those numbers sure pop, but keep in mind they come in the altitude in a very hitter-friendly league. So it's not like the Brewers coughed up a future superstar here, though he can certainly hit.
What the Brewers get back is a bullpen piece that could be helpful. Webb, 26, had a 3.24 ERA in 21 Triple-A appearances this season, but he struck out 47 batters while only walking three in 33 1/3 innings. He has gotten in seven big-league games this year, pitching to a 4.50 ERA with five strikeouts and four walks in six innings.
The only lefty in the Brewers' bullpen prior to this trade was Josh Hader, so the Brewers dealt a player blocked from the big-league roster to help the bullpen depth.
By the same token, the Yankees desperately need some help at first base with Greg Bird's injury lingering. They've been platooning Ji-Man Choi and Austin Romine there of late. Cooper could take over as the right-handed option there with Choi as the lefty for the time being with the Yankees' hope that Cooper handles MLB-caliber pitching OK. If so, they turned a reliever into a useful position player.
On the surface, this trade just makes too much sense for both teams for it to have not happened.
