Is Rex Brothers going to haunt the Cubs as a member of the Brewers?

December is often a relatively quiet time in baseball – but this year, that’s taken on a whole new meaning. With the league’s lockout upon us, the players are literally locked out. As a result, there will be no free agent signings, no trades and no players allowed inside club facilities, along with other restrictions until the two sides can come to an agreement.

The owner’s institution of the lockout was no surprise, and since teams and players alike knew it was coming, free agency sped itself up, and deals were made earlier than usual. The past week was the stuff of every baseball fan’s dream, as it felt like July’s trade deadline all over again. As far as the Chicago Cubs go, the team made several moves that came as a surprise.

Before the non-tender deadline, Chicago made roster moves, including tendering Ian Happ and Willson Contreras, both arbitration-eligible. Besides the non-tender deadline, the Cubs also made a splash by re-signing outfielder Michael Hermosillo and signing veteran catcher Yan Gomes, outfielder Clint Frazier and star right-hander Marcus Stroman.

Another National League Central team that has made a few moves is the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers made a few significant signings, including bringing on catcher/corner outfielder Brett Sullivan, and made a last-minute trade with the Boston Red Sox to acquire Hunter Renfroe for Jackie Bradley Jr. and two prospects. Another deal the Brewers made that might get overlooked is signing former Cubs reliever Rex Brothers to a minor league contract.

Rival Brewers add former Cubs reliever Rex Brothers to minor league deal

According to a team announcement, the Brewers signed Brothers to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Brothers, who turns 34 later this month, spent his last two seasons with the Cubs. The left-hander had a rollercoaster of a 2021 season, posting a 5.26 ERA over 53 innings and a total of 57 games.

Though he had a solid first half of the season, he struggled throughout the second half, which led to his ERA being as high as it is. Brothers was in his prime back between 2011 and 2013 when he played for the Colorado Rockies. He threw 175 2/3 innings during that span, working to a 2.82 ERA.

After a successful 2013 campaign, he had a rather disappointing 2014 showing, posting a 5.59 ERA and, as a result, saw limited innings from 2015 to 2020. Though he was not at his best during any of his time on the North Side, the Brewers could be the club to get the most out of him. Only time will tell if he adds his name to the long list of guys to leave Chicago, only to go on and haunt the Cubs.