MLB insider reveals Brewers have two upgrades in mind for MLB trade deadline

The Milwaukee Brewers are sitting atop the NL Central with a 5.5-game lead over the Chicago Cubs entering Sunday's slate of games before the All-Star break.

But, even in such a good spot, there are a few spots that could use some help at this year's trade deadline. Pat Murphy's squad is good enough to make the postseason as it is right now, but beating the Los Angeles Dodgers requires a bit more help.

That's why USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting the Brewers have two upgrades in mind at this year's deadline for different reasons. One was due to Brandon Woodruff's uncertainty, and the other was some poor play on the left side of the infield.

Brewers have trade interest in two spots this summer

"The Brewers' urgency to acquire a starter at the deadline was heightened with the uncertainty of veteran Brandon Woodruff pitching again this season," Nightengale writes. "They would also like to acquire an impact bat for the left side of their infield."

With the Brewers looking to add at the trade deadline, starting pitching help and an upgrade on the left side of the infield are the top two needs for this team.

Rotation helps make the most sense, as not only is Woodruff a huge question mark, but Kyle Harrison recently went onto the injured list, and now Jacob Misiorowski is missing his Sunday start, along with another outing after the break due to fatigue.

Logan Henderson might be back, and Shane Drohan might be having a solid year, but with Brandon Sproat struggling and their other starter options starting to run out, it makes sense why the Brewers are going to be interested in the starting pitching market.

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The left side of the infield, specifically in the hunt for an impact bat, also makes a ton of sense. Cooper Pratt is manning shortstop right now, and he has a .257 batting average with a .684 OPS. They could do better there.

But the real area worth upgrading is their third base spot. Joseph Ortiz has a .225 average with a .598 OPS, and David Hamilton has a .240 average with a .650 OPS.

Upgrading third base makes a lot of sense. It might not be easy to find a good third baseman, especially at a reasonable price tag. But landing an impact hitter at third base would be huge.

Pairing a slugger at third base with another starting pitcher would make for a fantastic deadline for the Brewers. Another reliever would also help, but the left side of the infield and the starting rotation are the two biggest needs for this team.

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