MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The Milwaukee Brewers have spent much of the summer battling the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in Major League Baseball, and with the trade deadline approaching, one report suggests the smallest market in baseball may be preparing to make one of its boldest deadline pushes in franchise history.

According to MLB.com Brewers beat writer Adam McCalvy, Milwaukee has checked in with the Detroit Tigers regarding reigning ace Tarik Skubal and has also contacted the San Diego Padres about star closer Mason Miller.

Nothing appears imminent, but the report signals something Brewers fans rarely hear at this point in the season: Milwaukee could be willing to aggressively pursue elite, headline-caliber talent if the right opportunity presents itself.

With Detroit sitting at 48-54 and San Diego at 50-53 entering the weekend, both clubs remain on the fringe of playoff contention. If either decides to sell before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, Milwaukee figures to be among the teams watching closely.

WHY TARIK SKUBAL CHANGES EVERYTHING

If the Brewers are searching for a true postseason ace, few pitchers in baseball compare to Tarik Skubal.

Despite missing time earlier this season because of injury, the left-hander owns a 6-5 record with a 2.83 ERA and nearly 100 strikeouts. Over seven seasons with Detroit, Skubal has accumulated 20.7 career WAR while winning two Cy Young Awards.

Adding Skubal would immediately transform Milwaukee's rotation and would likely represent the franchise's biggest trade deadline acquisition since CC Sabathia arrived from Cleveland in 2008.

Skubal is also scheduled to become a free agent after the 2026 season. Combined with his recent elbow surgery, that could lower the acquisition cost compared to a similarly talented pitcher under long-term control, though Detroit would still command a premium return.

MASON MILLER COULD CREATE BASEBALL'S BEST BULLPEN

While Milwaukee's bullpen has already been among baseball's strengths, adding Mason Miller could elevate it to another level.

The flame-throwing closer has been nearly untouchable in 2026, posting a 2-1 record, a microscopic 0.86 ERA, 27 saves and 78 strikeouts. A two-time All-Star, Miller has emerged as arguably the premier relief pitcher in baseball.

Unlike Skubal, Miller remains under team control through three additional arbitration seasons after 2026, making him even more valuable. According to MLB.com, executives around baseball believe San Diego could command either two Top 100 prospects or one Top 100 prospect plus two additional organizational top-10 prospects.

THE BREWERS HAVE MADE BLOCKBUSTER MOVES BEFORE

Milwaukee has traditionally been conservative at the trade deadline, but the franchise has not been afraid to swing big when a championship opportunity presents itself.

The benchmark remains CC Sabathia.

Acquired from Cleveland on July 7, 2008, the reigning American League Cy Young winner produced one of the greatest half-seasons in Brewers history. Sabathia went 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA, threw seven complete games in just 17 starts and repeatedly pitched on short rest while carrying Milwaukee to its first postseason appearance since 1982.

Another franchise-altering acquisition came in 1982 when Hall of Famer Don Sutton arrived from Houston under the old waiver trade system. Sutton went 4-1, won Milwaukee's division-clinching regular-season finale against Baltimore and started three games during the Brewers' World Series run.

More recently, the Brewers have landed impact players such as Mike Moustakas in 2018, Francisco Rodriguez in 2011 and Eduardo Escobar in 2021.

Moustakas helped power Milwaukee to within one game of the World Series after arriving from Kansas City. Rodriguez formed one of baseball's top late-inning combinations alongside closer John Axford during the Brewers' 96-win 2011 season. Escobar, acquired from Arizona while an All-Star, brought valuable switch-hitting power and defensive versatility during Milwaukee's playoff push.

The Brewers have also found success with less-heralded additions. Mark Canha hit .287 with five home runs and 33 RBIs in 50 games after arriving in 2023, while Carlos Santana stabilized first base during that same postseason run.

WHAT WOULD MILWAUKEE HAVE TO GIVE UP?

Landing players of Skubal's or Miller's caliber would almost certainly require the Brewers to part with some of baseball's top young talent.

Milwaukee possesses one of the game's strongest farm systems.

Leading the way is MLB Pipeline's No. 1 overall prospect, shortstop Jesús Made. The Brewers would almost certainly view Made as untouchable, but he would immediately become the centerpiece of virtually any trade discussion.

Luis Peña, the organization's No. 2 prospect, may be a more realistic centerpiece. The talented teenage infielder is viewed as one of Milwaukee's premier trade assets.

Cooper Pratt, currently the Brewers' No. 3 prospect, has already reached the major leagues. His combination of athleticism, defensive value and years of club control would make him attractive to any rebuilding organization, although trading him would create an immediate question at shortstop unless Joey Ortiz continues his recent surge.

Luis Lara, the club's fourth-ranked prospect, has also debuted in the majors and could appeal to a team seeking immediate help rather than lower-level prospects.

Jett Williams, Milwaukee's No. 5 prospect, arrived from the New York Mets in the Freddy Peralta trade and has reached Triple-A. His versatility and ability to play premium defensive positions could make him another key piece in a blockbuster package.

Additional names that could surface in negotiations include Josh Adamczewski, Andrew Fischer and Jeferson Quero.

A DEADLINE UNLIKE MOST IN MILWAUKEE

The Brewers have rarely been connected to the biggest names available at the trade deadline.

But with one of baseball's best records and legitimate World Series aspirations, 2026 presents a different opportunity.

Whether that ultimately leads to Tarik Skubal, Mason Miller or another impact player remains to be seen.

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is set for Monday, Aug. 3, at 5 p.m. CT, giving Milwaukee just over a week to determine whether this is the year to push all of its chips to the center of the table.