Dustin May Was the Second-Best Starter Available at the Deadline, And the Brewers Got Him

Key Points:

• Despite a 4.38 ERA that concerns some fans, Dustin May's advanced metrics indicate he was the second-best starting pitcher available at the trade deadline, making him a valuable acquisition for the Brewers' World Series aspirations.
• After recovering from multiple injuries and surgeries, May improved his pitch arsenal and velocity in 2026, leading to a strong performance since May 1st where he ranks 8th in FIP among pitchers with at least 70 innings pitched.
• May's pitching success stems from his ability to limit home runs, generate ground balls, and use a diverse mix of fastballs, particularly his cutter, which is highly effective at inducing weak contact and swings and misses.
• Analytical models suggest the Brewers may optimize May's performance by adjusting his pitch sequencing, potentially increasing his sinker usage to align with the team's pitching philosophy and maximize his ground ball potential.
• Overall, May's combination of low walk rates, avoidance of hard contact, and electric breaking pitches positions him as a reliable and potentially dominant starter for Milwaukee in the postseason.