MLB insider skeptical Brewers can trade for someone like Tarik Skubal for two reasons

1 hour ago 4

The Milwaukee Brewers are 58-33, and 7.0 games up on the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. They're also a few games ahead of the Atlanta Braves for a first-round bye.

What makes this so important is that a buy could entice the Brewers to spend a bit more at the trade deadline. Since the Brewers are planning to buy, starting pitching is one of their top needs. Tarik Skubal is a natural connection that's been made plenty already.

However, MLB insider Robert Murray for Fansided.com revealed two reasons why he is skeptical that the Brewers will wind up trading for someone as good as Skubal. One about winning a bidding war, the other about their propensity to hold onto prospects.

2 reasons why MLB Insider is skeptical the Brewers will trade for someone like Tarik Skubal

1. Brewers don't have a good track record of winning bidding wars

"First, it's rare to see the Brewers win a bidding war for a coveted asset either via trade or free agency," Murray writes. "The Brewers had strong interest last deadline in Eugenio Suarez, sources say, though the Diamondbacks held a bidding war for Suarez, one of the top bats available at the time."

Milwaukee's tendency to lose bidding wars could certainly come into play, especially if someone like Skubal is made available by the Tigers.

MORE: Astros plan to be involved in Tarik Skubal trade sweepstakes

Many teams will show interest in Skubal, and that could drive the price up a lot for the Brewers or any team that winds up trading for Skubal.

With the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Diego Padres all showing interest in starters, the market for ace-level pitchers is bound to be hot.

That would be some bad news for the Brewers, as winning a bidding war will make a trade a lot more difficult to pull off. But it's more than just a bidding war that could give the Brewers a problem; the cost of a trade is a huge hurdle to clear.

2. Brewers are prospect-huggers

"Milwaukee also typically holds onto their prized young players, though there are exceptions (see: Christian Yelich trade)," Murray writes.

If the Brewers are typically holding onto their prized prospects and young players, then a blockbuster trade will be a lot more challenging to pull off.

MORE: Rays trade idea sends top-10 prospect in MLB to Tigers for Tarik Skubal

Of course, things could change, especially with the vibes around this year's team being a lot better than in years past.

But it will still cost a lot to add someone like Skubal, not to mention that the Brewers might have to win a bidding war between many interested suitors.

Brewers have two major hurdles to clear for a blockbuster trade

When it comes to someone like Skubal, or even Los Angeles Angels starter Reid Detmers, Murray believes, "The Brewers have the prospects to get a deal done. But I'm still skeptical that it will happen."

The reason why is simple: Milwaukee has struggled to win bidding wars recently, and they also don't like to trade away their top prospects.

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

Cooper Pratt, Luis Lara, and Jesus Made are some incredibly valuable youngsters who could be used to acquire some elite talent in a trade. But the Brewers likely don't want to move any of those prospects.

Between their propensity to prospect-hug and their history in bidding wars, Murray is skeptical the Brewers will wind up trading for a top player at this year's deadline.

Hopefully for Brewers fans' sake, this skepticism is proven wrong, and Matt Arnold and the Brewers actually do trade for an ace this summer. They have a chance to win the World Series this year. Why not go for it?