Star pitcher Aaron Civale, a mainstay in the Milwaukee Brewers’ rotation since joining the team last July, requested a trade after being relegated to the bullpen to make room for top prospect Jacob Misiorowski. The decision, described as “confusing” by Civale’s agent, Jack Toffey, has sparked debate about the Brewers’ pitching strategy as the MLB trade deadline comes closer and closer.
After Hitting the Bullpen, Veteran Star Aaron Civale Asks To Be Traded
Civale, who turned 30 on Thursday, has built his career as a starting pitcher, with all 122 of his regular-season appearances being in that role since his 2019 debut. His reliability was very evident last season after Milwaukee acquired him from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Aaron Civale has requested a trade. Story with @WillSammon: https://t.co/hHn1pHvjFS
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 12, 2025
He posted a 6-3 record with a 3.53 ERA over 14 starts, helping the Brewers reach the postseason. This year, despite a left hamstring strain, Civale returned on May 22 and delivered a 3.32 ERA over 19 innings in four starts, with 19 strikeouts and seven walks in 22 total innings.
Despite this consistent performance, the Brewers’ decision to promote Misiorowski, the game’s No. 87 prospect, confused fans and analysts alike and also prompted a reshuffling of the starting roster.
Misiorowski, the 23-year-old right-hander recalled from Triple-A Nashville, is set to make his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday. With a rotation already featuring Freddy Peralta, Chad Patrick, Quinn Priester, and José Quintana, Civale became the odd man out.
“It’s a little confusing because he did not pitch his way out of the rotation,” Toffey told The Athletic. “It’s more of a subjective choice the organization is making.”
A Crowded Rotation Forcing Trades
The Brewers’ pitching depth is both a blessing and a challenge. Beyond their current starters, right-hander Logan Henderson, who posted a 1.71 ERA in four starts, was recently demoted to Triple-A.
Tobias Myers, a key rotation piece last year, is also in the minors, while Nestor Cortes Jr. and Brandon Woodruff are nearing returns from injury. This surplus has fueled speculation about potential upcoming trades for multiple Brewers.
Toffey confirmed that Brewers general manager Matt Arnold is “exploring options” after a professional conversation about Civale’s future. Civale’s $8 million salary, tied for the highest among Brewers pitchers, may also factor into the team’s decision, given their 24th-ranked Opening Day payroll.
As the trade deadline approaches, Civale’s situation could accelerate Milwaukee’s plans. Will the Brewers move him to clear space for younger, cheaper talent like Misiorowski? Or will they hold firm, leveraging their depth for a playoff push? For now, Civale’s trade request is a pivotal moment for both the pitcher and a Brewers team navigating a delicate balance between present and future.