The Brewers Need A Third Baseman In 2025: Here Are The Internal & Free Agent Options

[Matt Breen]

The likely departure of Willy Adames this offseason in free agency will create a large hole in the Brewers' lineup. For this exercise, we will look at adding a third baseman, with Joey Ortiz shifting over to shortstop. A shortstop/second base duo of Ortiz and Turang would be stellar from a defensive standpoint.

Image courtesy of © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Mind you, the team could keep Joey Ortiz at third base, move Brice Turang to short, and add a second baseman. But for this article, let’s keep things simple. Let’s just say Ortiz slides over to shortstop for 2025, and the club shops for a third baseman. 

Here are some options for next season:

Internal Options

Oliver Dunn: Dunn showed a nice glove in limited playing time in 2024, but his bat has a big hole in it, making him an unlikely everyday player. Is it possible? Sure. But it’s unlikely. Fans like to point out the 21 home runs Dunn hit at AA in 2023. But outside of 2023, he has never had double-digit home runs and holds a career .248 average in the minors. It’s just not that inspiring. But who knows?

Tyler Black: The team doesn’t seem to trust Black’s glove enough for him to be the full-time third baseman. Perhaps they will revisit things in 2025 and live with Black’s weak arm. But I find it unlikely. Black may get some reps at third base but on a limited basis.

Brock Wilken: Not ready. The man demonstrated some nice power at Biloxi but only hit .199. He needs more time.

Mike Boeve: Boeve missed part of 2024 with injuries but hit a robust .306 in 66 games at Biloxi. However, he lacks power, and - like Tyler Black - he has a weak arm. The team will probably give him more time in the minors as they figure out his long-term position, which may be first base.

Andruw Monasterio: He’s an adequate reserve who isn’t that good. 

Free Agents

The free-agent options at third base are not particularly exciting. The good players will be too expensive. Most of the other free agents are past their sell-by dates. One may have a nice rebound campaign in their bat, but to count on such a thing would be foolish.

Too Expensive
Alex Bregman, Ha-Seong Kim. Unless a perfect storm brews up, the Crew won’t be fishing in these waters. 

Please No
J.D. Davis. Davis is a hack in the field and should be avoided. 

Too Old
Justin Turner. Respect to the man as he can still hit, but at 40, he’s done being a full-time (or even part-time) fielder.

Mediocrity
Gio Urshela and Paul DeJong—neither of these guys is inspiring. DeJong has some pop in his bat but not much else, and Urshela does a little bit of everything but not much else. 

Rebound candidates
Wilmer Flores, Brandon Drury. Flores and Drury are just a year removed from quality seasons, but both had miserable years in 2024. Drury’s year was shockingly bad, with a .169 batting average and a sub-.500 OPS. This after two straight .800 OPS years. Flores was not quite as bad in 2024, but not by much. He was never the best fielder and may be best suited for first base. 

Injury concerns
Yoán Moncada. Moncada has only played in 208 games in the past three seasons. But at 29, he is the youngest of this group of free agents. His batting averages over the past four years are .263, .212, .260, and .275 (note the last number was for 2024 and included only 40 at-bats). He has hit double-digit homers five times and produced seasons of 4.0+ bWAR in 2019 and 2021. Moncada has been erratic, which is probably tied to his injury history. When healthy, he has produced. 

Trade Candidates

There are many trade options out there, but I’ll hit on three that could be available.

Eugenio Suárez. The Diamondbacks third baseman is owed $15 million on a team option for 2025. The club will likely pick it up, as the 33-year-old Suárez hit .256 with 30 home runs in 2024. Such numbers would nicely replace Willy Adames' production. The big question would be if Arizona would trade Suárez. The man’s production has often been erratic - and he strikes out - a lot. And there’s the $15 million. The Diamondbacks have some options to take over third if they move on from Suárez, but none are clear-cut. Thus, dealing him would be a risk. Suárez shouldn’t cost too much as a one-year rental, but other teams would likely be in the market for him if he were made available, driving up the price.

Ke’Bryan Hayes. Really? Hear me out on this one. Hayes had a poor 2024 and struggled with back issues. He’s under contract for at least five more seasons for $43 million. So why would the Brewers want him? The answer is to look at Hayes’ 2023 season. He hit .271 with 15 home runs and a solid .762 OPS while playing outstanding defense. He had consecutive seasons of 4.4 and 4.0 bWAR in 2022-23. 

The Pirates are the Pirates and may want to move on from Hayes and his contract. While $8 million a year isn’t cheap, it’s not expensive either. If the Pirates are willing, Hayes shouldn’t cost much to acquire (other than taking on the $40+ million contract). 

Also, Hayes will turn 28 in January, so the team won’t just be getting him in his twilight years. But let’s not think he’ll turn into a slugger. He is not going to replace Adames’ numbers. If he hits .258 and a dozen home runs (basically his career averages), he’s doing pretty well, assuming his defense remains top-notch. That, however, is a big question. Hayes’ defense is where he derives a majority of his value. Back injuries are tricky, just look at Christian Yelich. 

In the end, the Pirates would have to be interested in dealing with Hayes, and the Brewers would have to be convinced that his back problems are a thing of the past. But a Turang/Ortiz/Hayes infield would be sweet to watch. 

Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Another Pirate? This move would really annoy fans, as many will want a power bat. Kiner-Falefa is not a power bat. He’s a glove-first infielder who hits for a decent average - and modest power. He has never hit more than eight home runs in a season. He doesn’t walk often but doesn’t strike out excessively, either. In 2024, it added up to a .269 batting average and a sub.-700 OPS. But he did produce 3.6 bWAR.

Adding Kiner-Falefa to play third base would essentially be doubling down (or would it be tripling down) on slick-fielding, light-hitting infielders. Kiner-Falefa/Turang/Ortiz would be a pitcher’s delight. But such a move would mean sacrificing power in 2025. 

Kiner-Falefa’s ability to play all over the infield would fit nicely with the club’s penchant for defensive flexibility among its players. He will be 30 in March 2025, and he has one year (at $7.5 million) left on his deal. So, any trade should not cost the team much, and there is no long-term commitment. 

What will the Brewers do in 2025?

As always, the answer is that they will look at everything. There is no clear-cut answer. They’ll poke around the trade market, inquire about free agents, and assess their internal assets. 

Ultimately, don’t expect a big free-agent signing like Alex Bregman. Instead, expect them to look at Suárez as his production and acquisition cost would fit in with the team’s philosophy. If Suárez is unobtainable or costs too much, the next step would be to look at free agents with a higher upside. The guy that jumps out is Yoán Moncada. He is a risk due to his injury history. But if he stays healthy, he would be a nice addition. Moncada won’t hit 30 home runs, but he’s historically been a solid defender at the hot corner, and if you can get a .756 OPS - his career number - that’s a big win. 

After that, I wouldn’t be surprised if the club went after someone on a low-cost deal - or even a minor league deal - in hopes they would rebound. Brandon Drury fits this mold. He’s a right-handed bat who could be paired with the left-handed Dunn. Of course, you must feel good that Drury can rebound after an awful 2024. 

If the club wants stability and predictability - a guy they can send out to third base every day and get a respectable performance (but not much else) - then Gio Urshela or Isiah Kiner-Falefa are your guys. They won’t hurt you but won’t help you that much either. 

I want to stress that these are just some options for Milwaukee in 2025. The team could consider adding a middle infielder and keeping Ortiz at third base. But that opens up a whole new set of options, which I’m sure the Brewers will consider in 2025.

The organization will undoubtedly look at middle infielders, both minor and major league, who they could shift to third base. 

Also, the club will check out the minor league shelf of third base prospects - using Devin Williams and perhaps Tyler Black as trade bait. Just don’t expect a Coby Mayo-like prospect coming to Milwaukee.

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[Trax]

If both Black and Boeve can not pull defensive weight at 3rd it complicates things.  Milwaukee can't spend big on a FA, that's clear.   Could Black play 2nd?   If not, it may be easier to find a 2nd baseman than a 3rd with Turang moving to SS.   Boeve's bat looks ready, may have to start with him if we can't find that other outside option.  Does Hoskins have trade value after he claims his option?  Not necessarily to bring someone who helps at an IF position of need but just to move the money?  That could loosen up IF options....

[Ro Mueller]

Thanks for this. Along with the Suarez ($15m club option) and Kiner-Falefa (not a fan) trade possibilities, might it also be realistic to target any of Alec Bohm (2 arb years), Ryan McMahon (due $44m over 3 years), Jon Berti (1 arb year) or Willi Castro (1 arb year)?

[wiguy94]

32 minutes ago, Ro Mueller said:

Thanks for this. Along with the Suarez ($15m club option) and Kiner-Falefa (not a fan) trade possibilities, might it also be realistic to target any of Alec Bohm (2 arb years), Ryan McMahon (due $44m over 3 years), Jon Berti (1 arb year) or Willi Castro (1 arb year)?

I say send Black plus a couple smaller prospects to Colorado for McMahon with the Rockies eating about $15M of his future salary. He has some good pop. Has hit RHP really well outside of Coors the last few years. He's an elite defensive 3B with positional flexibility to also play 1B.

[Joseph Zarr]

2 hours ago, wiguy94 said:

I say send Black plus a couple smaller prospects to Colorado for McMahon with the Rockies eating about $15M of his future salary. He has some good pop. Has hit RHP really well outside of Coors the last few years. He's an elite defensive 3B with positional flexibility to also play 1B.

I want the Brewers to acquire McMahon because I know how deeply you want him on the Brewers roster. I hope that happens! We certainly know none of the players in the Minors are remotely close to ready to fill that position at an MLB-caliber level.

[Tony C]

Another point to consider when talking Free Agents,... the switch from BALLY to MLB TV will result in much lower TV broadcast rights revenue.   I was looking at how it worked for the Padres and it appears the team gets a cut of the streaming and cable rights,... but it's based on subscribers.  It could affect the Brewers broadcast revenue by 30% or more.  And Broadcast revenue has been about 25% of Attanasio's annual salary budget.   Ouch !!   I can see a big ticket price increase on the horizon,.....  or find a new corporate sponsorship.  They have to find $15-20 mil somewhere.

[Jim French Stepstool]

8 hours ago, wiguy94 said:

I say send Black plus a couple smaller prospects to Colorado for McMahon with the Rockies eating about $15M of his future salary. He has some good pop. Has hit RHP really well outside of Coors the last few years. He's an elite defensive 3B with positional flexibility to also play 1B.

You never know about Colorados' front office. They seem to be a little squirrely at times. But I'd certainly like McMahon if he was made available, and the cost you suggested would be reasonable to me. Maybe throw in one of the excess BP pieces not named Devin Williams if need be.

[Jim French Stepstool]

I'd also kick the tires on Hayes if he was available & the cost was less than what I'd expect it to be. But even with his subpar season & the back issues I suspect he's not in the bargain bin just yet.

[LouisEly]

There's been talk that the Cardinals are looking to rebuild.  Arenado has three years left, $74M, of which Colorado is paying $10M.  He's still plus defensively, his best days are behind him with his bat but can he rebound to his 2023 numbers? 

The Cardinals would have to throw in some cash themselves, but he would be one helluva risk/reward gamble if they are going to go for it.

The more likely and less sexy option is Ramon Urias from Baltimore.  They need to make room for Holliday, leaving him the odd man out.  1.5 bWAR/0.9 fWAR in 300 PAs, might be better defensively at 2B and keep Ortiz at 3B with Turang moving to SS.  Perhaps there's a LHH platoon mate for Urias (Collins?  Dunn?  Frelick?) to minimize his splits.

[Austin Tatious]

Hayes is an interesting option that I hadn’t thought of.   I have liked him going back to the draft process as he was a guy I wanted us to draft back then.

I am hoping for one of Hayes, McMahon or Moncada.  They can make salary room by discarding dollars elsewhere to pay for one of them.  

Then trade Williams for prospects with good analytics although I would not expect a haul in terms of name value and pedigree.  

Keep the young OF corps.  

Hope ascending players like Frelick, Mitchell, Turang and Ortiz keep improving and that Chourio keeps it going.  

The defense orientation should continue.

The bullpen looks strong on paper even without DW and hopefully they can continue to piece together a solid rotation.  

Still bullish with a steady stream of prospects developing.  

[LakeshoreLarry]

Another under the radar option is Josh Smith, Texas Rangers.   He has been a utility player but got 523 AB's this year due to injuries to Jung and Seager.  Most of his playing time was at 3B but can also play SS, 2B, and the OF.  He hit .258 with 13 home runs and an OPS+ of 110.  Josh Jung is having surgery on his wrist this off-season and is expected to be ready for spring training. It's possible Texas could trade him for the right package.  Smith's salary will probably be just a little over $1 million for 2025 and he is Arb eligible in 2026.  He hits left-handed but may not have to be platooned since he hit .286 against lefties.  From what I read, his defense is good.

[Matt Breen]

Josh Smith is someone I should have added to this list. Good thought. I would be a little worried about cost of acquisition - but it doesn't hurt to try.

 

[Matt Breen]

I want to add that I considered McMahon and Arenado, but I removed them due to cost. I don't think that the Brewers will be able to add a lot of salary in 2025. McMahon is due $44m over the next three years. Plus we'd have to pay to get him. I just see that as too rich for Milwaukee. 

Also, I'd be concerned about McMahon outside of Colorado. He has a career .814 OPS in Colorado, while on the road it's .673. I'd be worried about that. 

As for Arenado, I'm guessing he wouldn't cost much to acquire - the key is how much we'd have to pay on the contract. Can't hurt to look - but I'm guessing it will be too rich for our blood.

[Matt Breen]

On 10/16/2024 at 10:55 AM, Trax said:

If both Black and Boeve can not pull defensive weight at 3rd it complicates things.  Milwaukee can't spend big on a FA, that's clear.   Could Black play 2nd?   If not, it may be easier to find a 2nd baseman than a 3rd with Turang moving to SS.   Boeve's bat looks ready, may have to start with him if we can't find that other outside option.  Does Hoskins have trade value after he claims his option?  Not necessarily to bring someone who helps at an IF position of need but just to move the money?  That could loosen up IF options....

The Brewers haven't played Black at 2B since 2022, so I'm guessing that's a sign they don't like him there. But maybe I'm wrong. Maybe they just want to see him at 1B, 3B, OF - wherever else. If he can play 2B, it would seem logical to give him a go - with Ortiz at 3B and Turang at SS. But that's a big 'if'. 

[Matt Breen]

17 hours ago, LouisEly said:

There's been talk that the Cardinals are looking to rebuild.  Arenado has three years left, $74M, of which Colorado is paying $10M.  He's still plus defensively, his best days are behind him with his bat but can he rebound to his 2023 numbers? 

The Cardinals would have to throw in some cash themselves, but he would be one helluva risk/reward gamble if they are going to go for it.

The more likely and less sexy option is Ramon Urias from Baltimore.  They need to make room for Holliday, leaving him the odd man out.  1.5 bWAR/0.9 fWAR in 300 PAs, might be better defensively at 2B and keep Ortiz at 3B with Turang moving to SS.  Perhaps there's a LHH platoon mate for Urias (Collins?  Dunn?  Frelick?) to minimize his splits.

Arenado would be fascinating - just wonder what salary we'd have to take on. He might have a no trade clause as well - which could complicate things. 

[Matt Breen]

19 hours ago, Tony C said:

Another point to consider when talking Free Agents,... the switch from BALLY to MLB TV will result in much lower TV broadcast rights revenue.   I was looking at how it worked for the Padres and it appears the team gets a cut of the streaming and cable rights,... but it's based on subscribers.  It could affect the Brewers broadcast revenue by 30% or more.  And Broadcast revenue has been about 25% of Attanasio's annual salary budget.   Ouch !!   I can see a big ticket price increase on the horizon,.....  or find a new corporate sponsorship.  They have to find $15-20 mil somewhere.

Because of this - and with arbitration raises - I'm skeptical we have much money to spend next season. I could see a modest addition or two - but once you start sniffing at $10 million a year type guys - I'm skeptical. But who knows. 

[Matt Breen]

17 hours ago, Austin Tatious said:

Hayes is an interesting option that I hadn’t thought of.   I have liked him going back to the draft process as he was a guy I wanted us to draft back then.

I am hoping for one of Hayes, McMahon or Moncada.  They can make salary room by discarding dollars elsewhere to pay for one of them.  

Then trade Williams for prospects with good analytics although I would not expect a haul in terms of name value and pedigree.  

Keep the young OF corps.  

Hope ascending players like Frelick, Mitchell, Turang and Ortiz keep improving and that Chourio keeps it going.  

The defense orientation should continue.

The bullpen looks strong on paper even without DW and hopefully they can continue to piece together a solid rotation.  

Still bullish with a steady stream of prospects developing.  

Hayes might benefit getting out of the unpredictability Pittsburgh seems to be plagued with year-after-year. But the back injury is really concerning. 

[bensheeps]

Is Luis Rengifo of the Angels an option?

He was off to a good start last year before hurting the wrist (that required season-ending surgery).  Arbitration estimate is for $5.8million for next year before hitting free agency in 2026.

Positives:  Only one year deal leaving the possibility of Wilkin or Boeve taking over in 2026.  Ability to play other positions on the infield if needed.  Switch hitter with better career numbers vs. lefties.

Questions:  What will the cost be to acquire?  Is the wrist ok (reports say he will be ready for Spring Training)?  Are we ok with 3rd base not being a "power" spot?

[Jim French Stepstool]

2 hours ago, bensheeps said:

Is Luis Rengifo of the Angels an option?

He was off to a good start last year before hurting the wrist (that required season-ending surgery).  Arbitration estimate is for $5.8million for next year before hitting free agency in 2026.

Positives:  Only one year deal leaving the possibility of Wilkin or Boeve taking over in 2026.  Ability to play other positions on the infield if needed.  Switch hitter with better career numbers vs. lefties.

Questions:  What will the cost be to acquire?  Is the wrist ok (reports say he will be ready for Spring Training)?  Are we ok with 3rd base not being a "power" spot?

I thought Rengifo put up really nice ABs vs the Brewers when the teams met. And he hit thirty-some HRs in the two previous seasons which is alright with me power-wise. If his having one year left on his deal results in the cost being modest, yeah, I say throw him in the possibility hopper.

[Branyanisthegoat]

In addition to everyone mentioned in the article and comments, Josh Jung could be a long shot if the Rangers sign Bregman. I do like Josh Smith though.

Brett Baty isn't so highly thought of anymore, but could be an interesting fallback option.

Blue Jays probably arent wild about letting Atkins deal long term assets, but Addison Barger is another cheap, somewhat expendable 3B prospect w some pop.

[Trax]

I think it likely Williams is traded before the start of the season.   That trade will bring a coupe or a few prospects, and one will be a top prospect who is likely ready or very near ready of MLB.  That just may be a guy who will take 3rd.  Just more speculation. 

[jay87shot]

You could add Sal Frelick to the internal options, I don't think he is the answer but even if he can give say 30-40 games and open up some pt in the of that could help. I would at Rengifo for sure, maybe Jorge Polanco on the trade/free agent side. Berti is an intreging option I really hadn't thought about, he really fits our style of player.