Madison Bumgarner could be set for a move to the Midwest.
MLB.com reported Monday that Bumgarner’s likeliest destination — if he is dealt before spring training — is the Brewers.
According to the report, the Brewers and the Giants have discussed a possible trade this winter, with the Brewers mulling how much is too much to give up for the 29-year-old pitcher.
Bumgarner has a career 3.03 ERA, three World Series rings and an affordable $12 million salary in 2019. But his health is a red flag. The lefty has gone down in the past two seasons, and hasn’t posted a sub-3.00 ERA since the 2016 season.
Still, he would represent an attractive option for the Brewers as they look to solidify their rotation after last year’s NLCS run.
The question might not be if Bumgarner is traded but when. The Giants’ new president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi, could bank on Bumgarner staying healthy in the first half of the season, setting up a potential midseason deal where Bumgarner could be dealt at a higher price and to a greater number of potential suitors.
The Post reported last month that a midseason trade is more likely, as Zaidi has been tasked with piling up assets for a rebuilding project in San Francisco.
Zaidi also has the difficult task of dealing away a team legend, so it would be understandable if he takes his time to find a mutually beneficial deal.



