Brewers Outright Caleb Boushley – MLB Trade Rumors

The Milwaukee Brewers have made a roster move, outrighting Caleb Boushley to Triple-A, according to MLB.com’s transactions log. Surprisingly, there was no prior indication that Boushley was placed on waivers. While Boushley does not have enough service time to reject the assignment, he may be eligible for minor league free agency in November if he is not added back to Milwaukee’s 40-man roster.

Boushley, who recently turned 30, was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 33rd round of the 2017 draft. He spent five seasons in the Padres’ minor league system, posting a 4.25 ERA in 332 2/3 innings across different levels. In December 2021, Boushley was selected by the Brewers in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. During the 2022 season, he performed well as a starting pitcher in Triple-A, recording a 3.25 ERA in 127 1/3 innings, although his strikeout rate was relatively low at 17.5%.

This year, Boushley’s strikeout rate improved to 18.9% over 135 2/3 innings with the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate. Unfortunately, his on-field results were not as impressive. In 29 appearances (26 starts), Boushley ended the season with a 5.11 ERA, which was nearly two runs higher than his 2022 figure. Nevertheless, the Brewers gave Boushley his first opportunity in the big leagues in 2023. In a small sample of 2 1/3 innings, he recorded five strikeouts, two walks, and allowed a home run, resulting in a 3.86 ERA.

Now, Boushley is set to become a free agent for the first time in his career. Despite his challenging 2023 season, there is a possibility that teams in need of pitching depth may show interest in him, considering his strong performance in 2022. As for the Brewers, their rotation depth is highlighted by left-hander Robert Gasser, who is ranked as the club’s #5 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Gasser had a successful 2023 season, recording a 3.79 ERA in 135 1/3 Triple-A innings in his first full season with the Brewers since being acquired in the Josh Hader trade last summer.