Aaron Civale, the Milwaukee Brewers' right-handed pitcher, has requested a trade after the team informed him of their decision to move him to the bullpen. The request was made by his agent, Jack Toffey, to Brewers General Manager Matt Arnold. This development comes after the Brewers' decision to promote their top pitching prospect, Jacob Misiorowski, which necessitated a change in the pitching rotation.
Civale's agent, Jack Toffey, emphasized that the request was handled professionally and without animosity. He stated that Civale would like to continue his career as a starting pitcher, especially as he is approaching free agency at the end of the year. Toffey also pointed out that Civale's performance did not warrant the removal from the rotation, suggesting that the decision was more subjective on the part of the organization.
The Brewers acquired Civale in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2024. In his time with Milwaukee, he has performed reasonably well. In 2024, he posted a 3.53 ERA in 14 starts, contributing to the Brewers' NL Central title. In 2025, before the bullpen transition, Civale had a 4.91 ERA in five appearances.
The decision to move Civale to the bullpen stems from the Brewers' need to accommodate Misiorowski in the starting rotation. Misiorowski, a highly regarded prospect, has demonstrated exceptional potential in the minor leagues, particularly with a high strikeout rate. Brewers manager Pat Murphy acknowledged that Civale was "not happy" with the decision, which is understandable given that Civale has spent his entire professional career as a starter.
Several factors contributed to the Brewers' decision. Firstly, Misiorowski's readiness for the major leagues made it imperative to integrate him into the starting rotation. Secondly, the Brewers have a surplus of starting pitchers, which forces them to make difficult choices regarding roster management. While Civale has pitched well since returning from a hamstring injury, he has not been particularly efficient, often failing to pitch deep into games.
The Brewers' situation is further complicated by the looming free agency of Civale. As a pending free agent, Civale's performance in 2025 will significantly impact his earning potential. A move to the bullpen could potentially diminish his value as a starter, leading to his trade request.
Despite the trade request, it is not certain that the Brewers will immediately grant it. The team values pitching depth, and losing a quality starter like Civale could weaken their roster. However, the Brewers also have a history of trading players in similar situations, particularly those who are approaching free agency. It is possible that the Brewers anticipated Civale's reaction and are prepared to honor his request, even if it means losing some leverage in a potential trade.
Looking ahead, several scenarios could unfold. Civale could be traded to a team in need of a starting pitcher, allowing him to continue his career in his preferred role. Alternatively, he could remain with the Brewers and potentially return to the starting rotation if injuries or performance issues arise. The Brewers' decision-making will be closely monitored as the trade deadline approaches, and their handling of Civale's situation will be a key factor in their overall strategy for the remainder of the season.
