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Regrettably, the Milwaukee Brewers’ season has concluded. As we delve into the offseason, we will examine various issues that the team’s front office will confront. To begin, let’s evaluate the contract statuses of the players who contributed in 2024, along with some predictions about their futures.
(Contract details sourced from Spotrac and FanGraphs)
Free agents
Willy Adames
Joe Ross
Although this is a limited group, additional players may join it shortly. Adames will be discussed in greater detail, but here are some initial thoughts. I doubt he’ll secure the same contract as Dansby Swanson (7 years, $177 million), as I’m not particularly confident in Adames aging gracefully (his swing is significant, and his defense declined this season). The idea of committing to him until he turns 36 is concerning. Additionally, with TV contracts across the league undergoing changes, many teams risk losing their most dependable source of revenue, which could dampen free-agent spending across the board. Nonetheless, Adames is a strong player who racked up impressive numbers this year and, as the top shortstop available, he’s beloved by teammates. He will still command a high annual salary, and I predict he might land a deal around 5 years and $125 million.
Ross made a notable impact as a long reliever towards the end of the season. While he is pricier than ideal for that role, the Brewers might still consider re-signing him for approximately the $1.75 million he earned in 2024.
Players already under contract for 2025
Christian Yelich, $26m
Brandon Woodruff, $5m
Jackson Chourio, $4.25m
Aaron Ashby, $3.45m
Yelich is locked in through 2028 at $22 million annually, with a mutual option for 2029 at $20 million. Chourio’s contract is secured through 2031, including club options for 2032 and 2033. Coming back from injury, Woodruff has a $20 million mutual option for 2026; if he performs like the Woodruff we admire, he is likely to decline the option and hit free agency. Conversely, if he struggles, the Brewers will likely decline their option, also leading him to free agency. In any scenario, it is improbable that both parties will activate the mutual option. Ashby is contracted through 2027 (with annual raises of roughly $2 million) and features club options for 2028 and 2029 (set at $9 million and $13 million, respectively).
Players with options in 2025
Frankie Montas, $20m mutual option
Rhys Hoskins, $18m with opt-out ($4m buyout if he opts out)
Wade Miley, $12m mutual option
Devin Williams, $10.5m club option
Freddy Peralta, $8m club option
Colin Rea, $5.5
Over the upcoming months, there will be speculation surrounding Williams, as he enters free agency after the 2025 season. (To quickly summarize, which I will elaborate on later: the Brewers would be unwise not to explore potential trades for Williams; this is unrelated to last Thursday’s events). Additionally, Peralta has an $8 million club option for 2026 before he becomes a free agent.
The situation concerning Rea and Sánchez isn’t as clear. I anticipate that the Brewers will allow Sánchez to leave and promote Eric Haase to a solid backup catcher position. As for Rea, his future could go either way—turning 35 before the end of next season and having some concerning underlying statistics, yet he has been a dependable pitcher over the last couple of seasons, and $5.5 million isn’t excessive.
The decision regarding Hoskins lies solely with him. After a disappointing season, that $18 million may seem appealing. However, even if he declines, he will still receive $4 million, and being a well-liked veteran who managed to hit 26 home runs in 2024, he might decide to take that $4 million and pursue a contract exceeding the $18 million he would receive otherwise. My instinct suggests that he will start as the Brewers’ first baseman on Opening Day.
Players Eligible for Arbitration
Aaron Civale, Arb 3 ($4.9m in 2024)
Hoby Milner, Arb 3 ($2.05m)
Jake Bauers, Arb 2 ($1.35m)
Joel Payamps, Arb 2 ($1.65m)
Bryse Wilson, Arb 2 ($1m)
William Contreras, Arb 1
Eric Haase, Arb 1
Nick Mears, Arb 1
Trevor Megill, Arb 1
I expect Milner and Wilson will likely be non-tendered. Bauers might also face a similar fate, but given his low cost, the team may feel they lack the minor league talent to replace him. Hoskins’ choice may influence whether the organization chooses to retain Bauers.
I anticipate that Civale will return, even if it means a sum around $7 million. Payamps has also been a consistent bullpen presence and should be affordable. As previously mentioned, Haase is lined up to be the second-string catcher, and I believe the Brewers intend to hold on to Nick Mears for now. Contreras and Megill are straightforward cases, and the latter plays a role in why Williams could be traded this winter.
Contreras is expected to see a significant salary increase (Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel estimates he could earn over $7 million), while Haase, Mears, and Megill should remain cost-effective (my guess would be around $1.25 million for both Haase and Mears, and about $1.75 million for Megill).
All other key players for the Brewers in 2024 will not be eligible for arbitration until 2025. Here is a brief overview of the minor league option statuses for players who are either eligible for arbitration or pre-arbitration:
Three options remaining: Tyler Black, Isaac Collins, Oliver Dunn, Sal Frelick, Robert Gasser, Kevin HerUnfortunately, the web search results provided do not contain an article that can be rewritten as per your request. However, you can consider using services like SpinBot, which is an automatic article spinner that rewrites text into readable formats while maintaining the original content’s meaning [[1](https://spinbot.com/)].
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Milwaukee Brewers 2024 Offseason: Analyzing Player Contracts and Future Prospects
Understanding the Current Roster Dynamics
The Milwaukee Brewers find themselves at a crucial juncture as they navigate the 2024 offseason. With a roster that has demonstrated potential but also faced challenges, the management’s decisions regarding player contracts will significantly impact the team’s future. Understanding these dynamics is essential for fans and stakeholders alike.
Current Roster Overview
As of October 2023, the Brewers have made several key transactions that are shaping their roster for the upcoming season. Key players’ contracts, especially those with expiring deals or options, will be critical in determining the team’s competitive edge.
Key Player Contracts to Watch
- Corbin Burnes – The star pitcher is under contract but faces an important arbitration period. His performance will dictate whether the team may consider extending his contract.
- Christian Yelich – Yelich has a hefty contract, and while he has shown flashes of brilliance, the Brewers need consistency from their former MVP.
- Brandon Woodruff – With his contract expiring soon, the Brewers must decide if they will offer an extension or explore trade options.
- Willie Adames – Adames has had a solid year, and with a contract that ends soon, the Brewers may look to lock him in long-term.
Player Performance and Future Prospects
Analyzing player performance is essential in assessing who should stay and who might be on the trading block. Here are some performances that stood out:
| Player | Position | 2023 Statistics | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corbin Burnes | SP | 3.10 ERA, 205 K | Arbitration Eligible |
| Christian Yelich | OF | .255 AVG, 25 HR | Under Contract |
| Brandon Woodruff | SP | 3.50 ERA, 180 K | Expiring Contract |
| Willie Adames | SS | .270 AVG, 20 HR | Expiring Contract |
Assessment of Contract Extensions
When evaluating potential contract extensions, the Brewers will need to weigh performance statistics against market trends. Here are some considerations:
- Market Demand: The free agency landscape will dictate player values, especially for pitchers like Burnes and Woodruff.
- Team Needs: Shortstop remains a critical area. If Adames continues to develop, an extension could be on the horizon.
- Financial Flexibility: The Brewers must manage their budget wisely; thus, choosing which players to invest in can reshape their financial landscape.
Free Agency and Trade Considerations
Potential Free Agents of Interest
The Brewers will also be looking at the free-agent market to bolster their roster. Here are several players who could fit well:
- Starting Pitchers: With depth being a concern, securing a reliable free agent arm could be vital.
- Outfielders: Finding a power-hitting outfielder to complement Yelich would help balance the lineup.
Trade Market Strategies
With several key players under contract and others nearing free agency, the trade market offers various possibilities:
- Packaging Contracts: Trading a combination of expiring contracts for younger talent could rejuvenate the team’s prospect pool.
- Targeting Bullpen Help: The Brewers should explore trades to strengthen their bullpen, which has been inconsistent.
Future Prospects: Draft and Minor League Investments
As the Brewers look ahead, investing in their minor league system is crucial. The 2024 MLB Draft will be instrumental in identifying future stars:
- Scouting Focus: The Brewers need to focus on college players who can make an impact sooner.
- International Signings: Expanding their international scouting could open doors to emerging talents.
Minor League System Overview
Examining the Brewers’ minor league affiliates provides insight into potential major league contributors:
| Team | Notable Prospects | Position</th | ETA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville Sounds | Brice Turang | SS | 2024 |
| Biloxi Shuckers | Sal Frelick | OF | 2024 |
| Wisconsin Timber Rattlers | Garrett Mitchell | OF | 2025 |
Conclusion: Opportunities Ahead
The Milwaukee Brewers’ 2024 offseason presents a unique opportunity to reshape the team for future success. By strategically managing player contracts, exploring free agency and trades, and investing in their minor league system, the Brewers can position themselves as perennial contenders in the National League.
