Brewers Add Former Closer

It's not going to make up for trading all-world closer Josh Hader by any means, but the Milwaukee Brewers made an attempt to fill a bullpen need today, acquiring Trevor Rosenthal from the San Francisco Giants. Yes, that Trevor Rosenthal. He of the back-to-back 45+ save seasons back in 2014-2015. 

90% of baseball internet is finding out that Trevor Rosenthal was signed by the news that Trevor Rosenthal was traded.

— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) August 2, 2022

It's true that not many people were even aware that the former All-Star reliever was back, but the Giants signed him recently after a showcase session for teams earlier in the summer. 

Now 32, Rosenthal hadn't pitched in the big leagues since 2020 due to shoulder and hip injuries, and still hasn't suited up this season in the majors. There's no telling how much he'll be able to contribute to the Brewers bullpen, if at all. But if he's able to come anywhere close to replicating his former dominance, it'll be a brilliant add by Milwaukee. 

At his peak, Rosenthal was a lights-out closer, with 93 saves across the 2014-15 seasons, and owns a career 3.36 ERA and a hefty 12.1 K/9. But he's also been hampered by injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2017 which cost him the entire 2018 season, then thoracic outlet surgery and a torn hip labrum last year.

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