3 Players the Brewers Need to Sign Once MLB Lifts Freeze

The Milwaukee Brewers exemplified supreme resilience last season when they, without superstar slugger Christian Yelich no less, went on a torrid stretch in the final month to clinch a spot in the playoffs. They were ultimately toppled in the NL Wild Card Game by the Washington Nationals, and manager Craig Counsell's squad will surely be motivated to avenge that loss by advancing even further in the dance this time around.

The talent on the Brewers' roster is undeniable, but like any club, they have some holes that could be filled with last-minute additions. Here are three free agents Milwaukee should pounce on once MLB lifts its transaction freeze on Friday.

3. Andrew Cashner

Free agent RHP Andrew Cashner / Tom Pennington/Getty Images

It's no secret that pitching is the Brewers' most glaring weakness, and they surprisingly didn't do much to address the issue this offseason. Luckily for them, there's still a few adequate hurlers braving free agency. Enter Andrew Cashner, who logged a respectable 3.83 ERA in 17 starts with the Orioles last season before enduring a rough patch after his trade to Boston. The 33-year-old right-hander isn't much worse, if at all, than what Milwaukee is currently deploying at the back end of its rotation.

2. Clay Buchholz

Former Toronto Blue Jays starter Clay Buchholz / Will Newton/Getty Images

At 35 years old, Clay Buchholz is getting up there in age -- he certainly showed it last year with Toronto -- but he's also one season removed from finishing 7-2 with a 2.01 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 16 starts for the Diamondbacks. The two-time All-Star would surely be willing to take a team-friendly deal, and the Brewers should welcome him with open arms. It cannot be stated enough how average Milwaukee's starting rotation is and Buchholz could easily carve out a role for himself.

1. Aaron Sanchez

Former Houston Astros right-hander Aaron Sanchez / Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

You simply aren't going to find much talent on the open market at this stage of the offseason, if you can even call it that. That prospect becomes significantly more damning for teams in need of pitching. The Brewers obviously fill that bill and Aaron Sanchez could potentially become their No. 3 starter if he realizes his untapped potential. So long as the 27-year-old is recovered from last year's season-ending shoulder surgery, Milwaukee shouldn't think twice about offering him a contract.