Andrew Chafin Traded to Milwaukee Brewers for Peter Strzelecki

Diamondbacks swap veteran left hander for younger controllable right hander

As reported earlier this morning, Andrew Chafin is headed to the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade deadline deal today. The move seems confusing on the surface but as discussed in that earlier article, there are several reasons why the D-backs would make a deal.

Looking at his splits pages, Chafin has large reverse platoon splits, and has not been effective against left-handed hitters this year. He has also struggled in high leverage, late and close situations. At the same time while he is striking out 12.8 batters per 9 innings, he is also walking 4.7. Finally, he is making $6.5 M this year and nearing incentive clauses. 

As reported first by John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports,  the Brewers are sending back 28-year-old right-hander Peter Strzelecki. In 36 innings he has a 4.54 ERA, but a 3.81 FIP. His fielding independent metrics, 9.3/K9, 2.5 BB/9, and 0.8 HR/9 indicate he's pitched somewhat better than his ERA.  Last year in 35 innings he had a 2.83 ERA and 2.94 FIP.  He is especially tough on right handed batters, with a .217 batting average and .619 OPS against same side hitters. 

Strzelecki throws a 92 MPH four seam fastball 33% of the time, and features a slider, sinker and changeup for a genuine four pitch mix. The spin rates and movement on the fastball and slider are elite, and the movement generated provides more swing and miss than one might suspect with that velocity. 

Strzelecki has minor league options remaining this year and next and will not be arbitration eligible until 2026 and a free agent in 2029.  So it's likely that finances and roster flexibility loomed large in this decision. It's also possible the D-backs main purpose was to save money that could be used towards another player they might trade for shortly. 

We will provide further updates after after the next moves are known and we speak with Mike Hazen later in the day.