Jake Woodford traded to Brewers

Key Points:

• The Milwaukee Brewers acquired right-handed reliever Jake Woodford from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Minor League pitcher K.C. Hunt and cash, opening a 40-man roster spot by moving outfielder Akil Baddoo to the 60-day injured list.
• Woodford, 29, has Major League experience primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals, posting a 4.29 ERA over 80 appearances from 2020-2023, and was effective in Spring Training with the Rays before the trade.
• The Brewers value Woodford’s versatility as a multi-inning, relatively platoon-neutral reliever, which complements their young starting rotation and lefty-heavy bullpen.
• K.C. Hunt, a 25-year-old undrafted free agent and 2024 Brewers Co-Minor League Pitcher of the Year, showed promise with a 2.03 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 102 innings across three minor league levels last season.
• Brewers management emphasized their ongoing efforts to improve the roster before Opening Day, aiming for a balanced mix of veterans and young players to provide depth and flexibility throughout the season.