The case for going all-in to make the playoffs this year and have a shot to win it all comes down to having three elite pitchers that won't be here in a couple of years.
If Woodruff comes back healthy for the stretch run and they make the playoffs, the Brewers have a punchers chance in any series because of Burnes and Woodruff.
They would have to win a three-game series to start, but Burnes and Woodruff would start two of those games (and Williams would be obviously be available). When you to a seven-game series, theoretically Burnes and Woodruff could pitch 4 of those games.
It's highly likely that both Burnes and Woodruff get traded this off-season, so now is the time. The problem is that they aren't just one player short. They really need better offensive production at 1B, 2B, 3B, and DH. Maybe you can get by with a couple of really weak producers, but you can't have 4 black holes in your lineup.
In 2018 they picked up Moustakas, Granderson, and Schoop and really went all in. Moustakas and Granderson worked out well. They didn't give up any prospects that panned out for any of them.
I just don't think they have enough to get anyone of use. They might be better just seeing what Anderson and Hiura can do.
In 2018, they knew they'd likely have more shots in the upcoming years because they had Burnes, Woodruff, and Hader for several more years of team control. Their starting pitching will become very suspect when Burnes and Woodruff get dealt in the off-season.
