Upcoming Brewers Minor League Free Agents

[Jim Goulart]

These players will become minor league free agents this fall unless added to the 40-man roster or signed to a new minor league contract.

Currently at:

Nashville

• LHP Fernando Abad
• RHP Jason Alexander (signed with Boston on 2/26)
• RHP Caleb Boushley (signed with Minnesota on 1/26)
• RHP Luis Contreras (signed with Houston on 11/26, received an invite to big league spring camp)
• C Payton Henry (signed with Toronto on 12/9, received an invite to big league spring camp)
• RHP Tyler Herb
• C Brian Navarreto (re-signed with Milwaukee)

Biloxi

• RHP Harold Chirino (re-signed with Milwaukee)
• RHP Max Lazar (signed with Philadelphia on 12/8)
• 1B Ernesto Martinez (signed a new minor league deal 11/7)
• RHP Cam Robinson (signed with New York Mets on 12/14, received an invite to big league spring camp)

Wisconsin

• LHP Karlos Morales

[Jim French Stepstool]

Off the top of my head, Lazar. One of the 3 catchers in AAA, probably Navarreto? Amaya?

I don't quite know what to think of Ernesto Martinez anymore.

[AJOHNSON104]

Yep, I think they add at least 1 catcher from AAA. Probably not Keston, but depends on how the trade deadline and rest of the season plays out.  

[Spencer Michaelis]

Harold Chirino was looking like a guy that might help the MLB bullpen this year before his injury. He's one they will likely consider adding to the 40.

[Joseph Zarr]

One contract to name them All
One contract to sign them
One contract to bring them All
And in the dugout bind them...
 

---

Or something like that...

Don't sleep on C Jose Sibrian. Do not sleep on that young man. 39.29% CS rate. 0.866 OPS. At age 24, he's starting to really really make his mark at the backstop. A true joy to watch in Carolina. I do not take his consistency and ability to guide that young pitching staff (calls his own game) for granted as a nightly watcher.

[Jim Goulart]

2 hours ago, Joseph Zarr said:

Don't sleep on C Jose Sibrian. Do not sleep on that young man. 39.29% CS rate. 0.866 OPS. At age 24, he's starting to really really make his mark at the backstop. A true joy to watch in Carolina. I do not take his consistency and ability to guide that young pitching staff (calls his own game) for granted as a nightly watcher.

Sibrian already signed an extended year contract to come back for 2023, his 8th season in the system. He likely would be of interest to other organizations, and his agent would be wise to explore offers. Perhaps the Brewers sweeten things enough, and Sibrian's level of familiarity is so well-established, that he comes back for season #9 with the Crew.

[ClosetBrewerFan]

Not too many of these stand out and I don't think any of them will be given a 40 man spot.  I could see a few returning on minor league contracts.  We can always use catching depth.  I'm intrigued by Luis Contreras and Chirino.  It would be nice to see what Ernesto Martinez could do at AA.

[Outlander]

With Caratini likely gone would consider Henry/Navarrato as a short term option until they gain the extra year of control from Quero. Somebody has to fill the backup catcher role.

[Jim Goulart]

Catcher Alex Jackson removed from the list.

[Jim Goulart]

So, initially Keston Hiura appeared on the initial post of this thread as one who would qualify for minor league free agency this fall. He debuted as a pro in 2017 and has played seven pro seasons, so easy-peasy, right?

Not so fast, as it turns out (since verified). Hiura's name has since been removed, with an odd twist. The Brewers actually control Hiura for 2024 as well (if they wish).

Here's why and how:

The one year Hiura spent entirely in the Majors (2020) does not count towards his minor league free agency. As such, the Brewers could retain Hiura on a minor league contract for 2024 at one-half of his $2.2 million salary (so $1.1 million, thanks easy math).

Now clearly, if Hiura is added to the 40-man roster (meaning called up to the 26-man roster in August or the 28-man roster in September), this oddity goes away. Because to send Hiura back to the minors, he'd have to be exposed to waivers, and could leave on his own if not claimed.

If Hiura is not called up by the end of the season, he'd be part of the organization this fall, including the Rule 5 draft in December. A team could claim Hiura and would have to keep him on the active roster for all of 2024. But Keston is out of options, so that's pretty much the case anyway. But Hiura on a $1.1 million salary seems rather appealing.

It seems like it'd be kind of a sneaky thing to do, not sure if Keston and his agent would appreciate it, but Hiura (and his .941 AAA OPS) has value, somewhere, to someone, including the Brewers.

NOTE: The only thing I have not confirmed is whether the $1.1M salary maintains as such if Hiura were to be called up to the big leagues at any point. I also wish I had an example for you of another MLB player who had been maintained this way.

I am hopeful a member of the beat can confirm with the front office, or a real transaction maven can confirm more specifics, but yeah, the drama about Hiura's status could linger.

[SomewhereInTime]

On 8/1/2023 at 9:00 AM, Joseph Zarr said:

One contract to name them All
One contract to sign them
One contract to bring them All
And in the dugout bind them...
 

---

Or something like that...

Don't sleep on C Jose Sibrian. Do not sleep on that young man. 39.29% CS rate. 0.866 OPS. At age 24, he's starting to really really make his mark at the backstop. A true joy to watch in Carolina. I do not take his consistency and ability to guide that young pitching staff (calls his own game) for granted as a nightly watcher.

He's a 24 year old in low A ball, it's amazing he hasn't been cut yet.

[CheeseheadInQC]

15 minutes ago, SomewhereInTime said:

He's a 24 year old in low A ball, it's amazing he hasn't been cut yet.

They brought him back last year when he was a minor league free agent after a mediocre offensive season as an A ball backup. If you are a quality defensive catcher with plus intangibles, which it sounds like he is, you are given time for the offense to come around.

[Jim Goulart]

Removed from the list in the initial post: Tyler Naquin (traded), Tristen Lutz (released)

[Jim Goulart]

On 8/11/2023 at 7:10 AM, Mass Haas said:

Removed from the list in the initial post: Tyler Naquin (traded), Tristen Lutz (released)

Removed OF Je'Von Ward, added LHP Fernando Abad

[Joseph Zarr]

With the preamble that all the above players deserve opportunities in the lower levels. And putting all practicality, historicity and potential desires to relocate for a fresh start, these are the players listed above I would personally prioritize talking to if I were a voice in the Brewers Personnel Department: (not listed in any order):

• RHP Caleb Boushley - provides much needed veteran presence and gives meaningful innings 
• RHP Luis Contreras - I continue to see MLB arm potential here. Lots to work with.
• C Payton Henry - Meaningful C depth; underrated bat
• RHP Tyler Herb - the injury was truly a bummer; one of my favorite interviews in the Brewers ML; lotta talent
• C Brian Navarreto - love Navs. Just a core depth backstop
• RHP Thyago Vieira - Can't have enough experienced 100 mph or Closer arms; other than a bad month he has been really important for manager Rick Sweet
• LHP Luis Amaya - I want to see what he can do year 2 in a new org; he's had flashes throughout 2023
• RHP Harold Chirino - oft injured but so so talented. He has been legit lights out for extended periods for the Shuckers. Can he stay healthy? I think the Brewers might have a leg up because of the lack of exposure
• C Brent Diaz - I love Diaz. Like Sibrian (below) just vastly underrated. Heady player.
• RHP Max Lazar - They protected him in last year's Minor League Rule 5 when they placed him on Nashville's roster. He's had a solid and healthy 2023. I want to see what the Brewers have here as he builds innings.
• 1B Ernesto Martinez - After what we've seen over the past several months, the Brewers would be foolish to not try to get Ernesto back in the saddle. He's an ascending player. Would be hard to develop him and demonstrate patience over years just to see him jet away as he starts showing his full talents
• RHP Cam Robinson - Incredible in 2022. Scuffled mightily to begin 2023. Has really settled down. He's shown a lot of fortitude. Can never have enough high-leverage relief arms.
• LHP Karlos Morales - Incredible work in 2023 with inherited runners. I enjoy watching him pitch - even if he loses the plate at times. Very intriguing lefty in the mold of Milner. Want him to keep developing as a Brewer.
• RHP Michele Vassalotti - I think Brewers might have a leg up here given his rough High-A season. He has a historical (albeit brief) reputation of struggling his first exposure in a ML class. He's still just 23. He had very very good moments in the WBC. I'd love it if the Brewers could work with him again. 
• C Jose Sibrian - You know how I feel here. He provides stability, skill, an ascending bat, an arm, the ability to call games. Despite his age (24) at Low-A, he 'should' be offered a regular rotation role with the T-Rats in 2024. Even if he likely tries his talents elsewhere. He's the bedrock of the Mudcats whole show.

 

 

[ClosetBrewerFan]

Jose Sibrian seems to be getting the Crash Davis treatment this year.  A 24 year old repeating low A for three years in a row.  He's finally performing well this year, but never got that promotion he deserved.  Maybe behind closed doors they are talking future coaching position.  Otherwise, the Brewers are treating him like an organizational soldier.  If I were him, I'd test free agency.

[Jim Goulart]

The newly signed trio of 3B/DH Josh Donaldson and OF's Greg Allen and Chris Roller have been added to the initial post in this list.

[ClosetBrewerFan]

I hope the Brewers can resign Ernesto Martinez to another minor league contract.  He's only 24 and is finally showing the promise we had all hoped for.  I would even consider a 40 man spot for him. 

[Ro Mueller]

4 hours ago, ClosetBrewerFan said:

I hope the Brewers can resign Ernesto Martinez to another minor league contract.  He's only 24 and is finally showing the promise we had all hoped for.  I would even consider a 40 man spot for him. 

Hopefully he’s encouraged by the seasons of Erceg, Chirino and Sibrian, so is interested to re-up.

[Jim Goulart]

Only 24 players in the initial post now as call-ups Thyago Vieira and Josh Donaldson have been removed.

[Harold Hutchison]

Bring back RHPs Jason Alexander, Max Lazar, and Cam Robinson, LHPs Luis Amaya and Alex Claudio, 1B Ernesto Martinez, and Cs Jose Sibrian and Payton Henry

[Jim Goulart]

Removed RHP Michele Vassalotti (released) from the initial post in this thread.

[TURBO]

Amaya just released, which I find a bit surprising...

[Jim Goulart]

- OF Greg Allen released by AAA Nashville
- LHP Luis Amaya released by AA Biloxi
- C Jason Lopez released by AA Biloxi
- RHP Robbie Baker released by AA Biloxi

All removed from the initial post in this thread.

[Jim Goulart]

Catcher Jose Sibrian removed from the initial post after his release. The organization certainly squeezed every bit of leadership from Sibrian in his playoff run with the Mudcats.

Perhaps the player and his representative made it clear he was going to pursue minor league free agency vigorously, and not return for a 9th year with the Crew (the eight years includes pandemic 2020), and the Brewers are providing a head start.