Brewers would 'surprise' MLB insider if they don't add two positions by trade deadline

The Milwaukee Brewers, sitting atop the NL Central, are likely to be trade deadline buyers this season. That should surprise no one. But how far they go is something very much unknown.

Tarik Skubal has been linked to the Brewers, but if Milwaukee decides to prospect-hug like they seemingly always do, Skubal and other top aces might not be in play.

However, regardless of what kind of caliber player the Brewers add, MLB insider Robert Murray of Fansided.com would be "surprised" if the Brewers don't trade for two positions this summer: starting pitcher and maybe even a hitter.

Brewers would 'surprise' MLB insider if they don't trade for a SP and/or a hitter

"But it would be a surprise if the Brewers left the deadline without a starting pitcher and potentially another bat," Murray writes.

The Brewers could use a new third baseman, bullpen help, and another starting pitcher. Of these three top needs, it appears starting pitcher might be the most likely one to be resolved.

As good as Jacob Misiorowski and Kyle Harrison are, they're approaching uncharted territory when it comes to their innings count this year. Getting some more help to take pressure off them come the postseason would be huge.

MORE: 3 reasons why Braves are perfect fit for Tarik Skubal at MLB trade deadline

Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants, Freddy Peralta of the New York Mets, Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, Reid Detmers of the Los Angeles Angels, along with Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha of the Kansas City Royals, are the Brewers' top options in that market.

Skubal might be too expensive for the Brewers, but Peralta and Ray should be very reasonable trade targets for the Brewers. They don't necessarily need the best pitcher, as they already have Misiorowski and Harrison in the rotation.

The mention of "another bat" is a lot more open-ended, but Milwaukee could end up upgrading the infield or the outfield with a move. There are plenty of options, including Luis Arraez, Willson Contreras, and Matt Chapman, who could work.

But, while the exact specifics of the Brewers' trade deadline targets aren't known, Murray would be surprised if the Brewers don't come out of the August 3 trade deadline with a starting pitcher, and maybe another hitter.

More MLB news:

• Phillies’ Cristopher Sanchez is planned NL All-Star starter
• Blue Jays trade idea swaps two top-10 prospects to Mets for Freddy Peralta
• Rays trade idea sends top-10 prospect in MLB to Tigers for Tarik Skubal
• Astros showing ‘strong interest’ in Rockies’ Mickey Moniak and Jake McCarthy
• Astros plan to be involved in Tarik Skubal trade sweepstakes