The Brewers felt the need to add another starting pitcher in order to better compete in the National League Central division with the Cubs and Cardinals (currently the division's co-leaders). So, they landed Lyles from another division rival (albeit a non-contender in Pittsburgh). Lyles has sported an ugly 5.36 earned-run average this season and has allowed more hits than innings pitched so far. Therefore, Milwaukee is hoping he can rebound on a better baseball team.

The Pirates signed Lyles as a free agent last winter, after he spent a brief time with the Brewers in 2018 (although he only pitched in relief with the Brew Crew last season). In return for Lyles, the Bucs get a hulking 25-year-old right-hander in Ponce. He has made a smooth transition to a bullpen role this season and appears to have found his pitching niche. Ponce could become a factor as a big-league reliever as early as 2020, despite the fact he has yet to pitch above Double-A ball.

Ponce is now on the keeper radar but he should be at least a year away from contributing in MLB. As for Lyles, his strikeout ability is intriguing from a fantasy perspective but his other numbers are worrisome. Therefore, he is not a recommendable pickup in shallow fantasy leagues. Only pick Lyles up if he is the clear best option available in free agency or the waiver wire.