2025 Minor League Transaction Thread

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Joseph Zarr]

Two days from today (11/26) last year, the Brewers signed RHP Jon Duplantier. They went on to release Him for a stint with the NPB's Hanshin Tigers. I was a wee heartbroken as I'd always wanted Duplantier to get a chance to resurrect his career with the Brewers. He was fantastic for Hanshin in this past season. 90 2/3 IP. 6-3 overall record. 113:20 K:BB ratio. 1.39 ERA. 

Will the Brewers get another chance to bring him aboard? We will likely start seeing signings roll in within the next week.

[Jim Goulart]

Brewers sign 23-year-old RHP Hansel Rincon, as per the Brewers official transaction page. The Dominican native was signed by the Diamondbacks at age 17 in September of 2019. He took a traditional early career path in the Arizona system, debuting in 2021 post-Covid season in the Dominican Summer League, before moving to the Arizona Complex League for 2022 (combined 25 appearances, 17 starts) with major mound struggles in that first stateside season.

Things improved a bit in a repeat of AZ Complex in 2023 (WHIP dropped from 1.64 in '22 to 1.32). Rincon even made a random emergency two-inning relief appearance for AA Amarillo that year before ending his season back at the complex with two more appearances, as evidenced in his B-Ref page linked above or his MiLB Player Page here.

Listed at 6'1", Rincon did toss three effective innings vs. the Brewers AZ club in that 2023 season (box score).

The D-Backs released Rincon in the spring of 2024 and there's no record of him having pitched the last two seasons, although bizarrely, if you read these writeups from Viva El Birdos, it's as if he did. Identity change?

NOTE: Viva El Birdos referenced the wrong Rincon, setting me on my rabbit hole journey tonight, as you'll read below.

 

 

[Jim Goulart]

52 minutes ago, Jim Goulart said:

Brewers sign 23-year-old RHP Hansel Rincon. The Dominican native was signed by the Diamondbacks at age 17 in September of 2019. He took a traditional early career path in the Arizona system, debuting in 2021 post-Covid season in the Dominican Summer League, before moving to the Arizona Complex League for 2022 (combined 25 appearances, 17 starts) with major mound struggles in that first stateside season.

Things improved a bit in a repeat of AZ Complex in 2023 (WHIP dropped from 1.64 in '22 to 1.32). Rincon even made a random emergency two-inning relief appearance for AA Amarillo that year before ending his season back at the complex with two more appearances, as evidenced in his B-Ref page linked above or his MiLB Player Page here.

Listed at 6'1", Rincon did toss three effective innings vs. the Brewers AZ club in that 2023 season (box score).

The D-Backs released Rincon in the spring of 2024 and there's no record of him having pitched the last two seasons, although bizarrely, if you read these writeups from Viva El Birdos, it's as if he did. Identity change? 

 

 

Wow that was a good write-up, Jim, but the Brewers (or basically the MLB/MiLB mechanism) linked to Hansel Rincon on the Milwaukee transaction page when they should have (maybe?) linked to Hancel (with a “c”) Rincon, and yes, both were STL farmhands (and are not brothers).

Time for a new write-up later, sigh, on this pitcher

[Jim Goulart]

6 minutes ago, Jim Goulart said:

Time for a new write-up later, sigh, on this pitcher

For now, read this Player of the Month write-up from June on Hancel Rincon, who had enough time to qualify for minor league free agency this month.

[Jim Goulart]

21 minutes ago, Jim Goulart said:

For now, read this Player of the Month write-up from June on Hancel Rincon, who had enough time to qualify for minor league free agency this month.

You know, it's quite possible the Brewers signed the pitcher who has been idle since 2023, and their Transaction Page is accurate. It would make a lot more sense if they signed Hancel (MiLB Player Page), who has made 108 career appearances (96 starts), including nine games at the AA level in 2025 with solid peripherals (59 K in 47.1 IP, 1.27 AA WHIP). I guess we'll see!

[Jim Goulart]

Guess what folks, the Cardinals announced this week they had re-signed the Hancel with a "c" to a new minor league deal this week. 

So, the Brewers do indeed get Hansel with an "s", perhaps a major injury sidelined him the past two years or he impressed in a workout resurrecting his career. Let's repost what we wrote above so you can be sure to learn about him!

***

Brewers sign 23-year-old RHP Hansel Rincon, as per the Brewers official transaction page. The Dominican native was signed by the Diamondbacks at age 17 in September of 2019. He took a traditional early career path in the Arizona system, debuting in 2021 post-Covid season in the Dominican Summer League, before moving to the Arizona Complex League for 2022 (combined 25 appearances, 17 starts) with major mound struggles in that first stateside season.

Things improved a bit in a repeat of AZ Complex in 2023 (WHIP dropped from 1.64 in '22 to 1.32). Rincon even made a random emergency two-inning relief appearance for AA Amarillo that year before ending his season back at the complex with two more appearances, as evidenced in his B-Ref page linked above or his MiLB Player Page here.

Listed at 6'1", Rincon did toss three effective innings vs. the Brewers AZ club in that 2023 season (box score).

The D-Backs released Rincon in the spring of 2024 and there's no record of him having pitched the last two seasons. 

[Joseph Zarr]

Jim, I have to Hans(el) it to you. That was some leg work!

[Jim Goulart]

Baseball America confirms that C Andrick Nava is indeed still part of the organization and will be Rule 5 eligible. He was the last of the possible minor league free agents we were questioning.

Nava was acquired for cash from the Phillies on July 18th, to help shore up catcher depth in the middle levels of the system. He turned 24 in October.

[Jim Goulart]

As also posted in our Rule 5 thread -

Incoming:

Milwaukee Brewers purchased contract of RHP Cole Phillips in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.

Outgoing:

	New York Yankees purchased contract of RHP Hansel Rincon in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.
	Toronto Blue Jays purchased contract of LF Hedbert Perez in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.
	Minnesota Twins purchased contract of RF Garrett Spain in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.

	Boston Red Sox purchased contract of LHP Caden Vire in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.
	Cincinnati Reds purchased contract of 1B Zavier Warren in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.
	Cincinnati Reds purchased contract of LHP Nate Peterson in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.

[MattK]

2 hours ago, Jim Goulart said:

As also posted in our Rule 5 thread -

Incoming:

Milwaukee Brewers purchased contract of RHP Cole Phillips in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.

Outgoing:

	New York Yankees purchased contract of RHP Hansel Rincon in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.
	Toronto Blue Jays purchased contract of LF Hedbert Perez in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.
	Minnesota Twins purchased contract of RF Garrett Spain in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.

	Boston Red Sox purchased contract of LHP Caden Vire in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.
	Cincinnati Reds purchased contract of 1B Zavier Warren in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.
	Cincinnati Reds purchased contract of LHP Nate Peterson in the Rule 5 Draft, AAA Phase.

Always unhappy to see this kids, and their potential, move on. 

[Joseph Zarr]

It appears along with the Baddoo signing, we have a new Minor League signing with a Big League Camp invite:

Jones was claimed by the White Sox and spent the majority of his 2025 at Triple-A Charlotte. Verifiable speed merchant:

Quote

 

In Jones, the Sox will pick up one of the sport’s fastest players. The 27-year-old has only six MLB plate appearances to his credit — he went 1-for-6 with a homer for Colorado last year — but drew 80 grades for his speed as a prospect. Jones went 46-for-49 in stolen bases at the Triple-A level last year despite being limited to just 89 games by injury. He hit .267/.344/.453 with the Rockies’ top affiliate (99 wRC+).

(Full Claim write-up via MLB Trade Rumors HERE)

[Jim Goulart]

The Brewers released RHP Johan Zapata, who had made 29 relief appearances in the Dominican Summer League the past two seasons. The Dominican native just turned 20 years old a month ago but will not reach stateside ball with the organization after struggling to a career 8.02 ERA and 1.734 WHIP. 

[Joseph Zarr]

Any and all transactions that aren't players signing with the Brewers org but feature players previously in the Brewers org go in our 'Misc. Minor League Alumni News & Notes - 2025  Version' (Soon to be 2026 Version) 

HERE

Thanks Everyone!

[Jim Goulart]

Milwaukee has signed two 17-year-old RHP's out of the Dominican Republic, 6'3" Adrian Bello and 6'0" Wilmer Duarte.

It is likely, but not a guarantee, that these were bonus signings in that $10,000 minimum range a month before the next international signing period for players who qualify (generally a year younger than Bello and Duarte). If Milwaukee had remaining funds of note in their pool, then these pitchers may have signed for a bit more.

[Spencer Michaelis]

3 hours ago, Jim Goulart said:

Milwaukee has signed two 17-year-old RHP's out of the Dominican Republic, 6'3" Adrian Bello and 6'0" Wilmer Duarte.

It is likely, but not a guarantee, that these were bonus signings in that $10,000 minimum range a month before the next international signing period for players who qualify (generally a year younger than Bello and Duarte). If Milwaukee had remaining funds of note in their pool, then these pitchers may have signed for a bit more.

Couple notes on this. According to Francys Romero's Substack, at the end of October the Brewers had about $407,000 left in their 2025 bonus pool for international players. My guess is that these two and Jesus Vasquez all got actual bonuses of some sort. Likely nothing crazy, but they had some money to spend.

Here is Bello's Instagram (quick glance shows him following Red Sox pitcher Bryan Bello as one of the few he follows, wonder if there's any relation...)

And Duarte's Instagram

Neither of their pages show video or anything regarding their stuff unfortunately.

[Spencer Michaelis]

Speaking of Francys Romero, he reports the Brewers signed RHP Alejandro Bustamante as part of their 2024-25 International pool as well, which is interesting because that international pool closed yesterday I believe. May just be a matter of announcing it, as the paperwork appeared to be done by 12/5 at least based on the post.

18-year-old out of Cuba, the post notes he has a chance to start and has a four pitch mix with his slider standing out:

CH 84-85

SL 83-84

SINK 89-90

FB 91-93

Francys Romero (@francysromerofr) • Instagram photos and videos

WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM

---

743 likes, 51 comments - francysromerofr on December 5, 2025: "El pitcher derecho cubano 🇨🇺 Alejandro Bustamante firmó oficialmente con...

 

[MudcatsfaninBrunsCO]

On 12/15/2025 at 1:17 PM, Jim Goulart said:

Milwaukee has signed two 17-year-old RHP's out of the Dominican Republic, 6'3" Adrian Bello and 6'0" Wilmer Duarte.

It is likely, but not a guarantee, that these were bonus signings in that $10,000 minimum range a month before the next international signing period for players who qualify (generally a year younger than Bello and Duarte). If Milwaukee had remaining funds of note in their pool, then these pitchers may have signed for a bit more.

Prob starting in AZ then Wilson?

[markedman5]

 

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Joseph Zarr]

Apparently (embedded as a reply in the McCalvy Garabito news), the Brew Crew are taking a flyer (in the form of a fresh Minor League contract with Big League ST invite) on another talented pitcher who has struggled with injuries of late in one LHP Drew Rom

 

The Rom name might be familiar to many here - a former Orioles 4th Rd pick who was dealt to the Cards in 2023 in the Jack Flaherty deadline deal. He has suffered through many shoulder-related injuries since that late 2023 trial by fire. Missed all of 2024. Came back briefly for the Memphis Redbirds, as McCalvy touches on, for a brief four game stint. Then was shelved the remainder of the season. I can't help but think the Brewers may feel they have a leg up on the shoulder recoveries with their recent Ashby and Woodruff successes? At this stage of his comeback road, and given his low velo lefty arsenal, I'd think the Brewers are looking at him as AAAA bullpen depth. Maybe they hammer home that splitter of his and work at more deception - previously he adjusted four-seam and sinker arm slots between heater profiles and then another to cater to his off-speed. None the less, it will be interesting to see what they try to tease out here.

[MattK]

9 hours ago, Joseph Zarr said:

Apparently (embedded as a reply in the McCalvy Garabito news), the Brew Crew are taking a flyer (in the form of a fresh Minor League contract with Big League ST invite) on another talented pitcher who has struggled with injuries of late in one LHP Drew Rom

 

The Rom name might be familiar to many here - a former Orioles 4th Rd pick who was dealt to the Cards in 2023 in the Jack Flaherty deadline deal. He has suffered through many shoulder-related injuries since that late 2023 trial by fire. Missed all of 2024. Came back briefly for the Memphis Redbirds, as McCalvy touches on, for a brief four game stint. Then was shelved the remainder of the season. I can't help but think the Brewers may feel they have a leg up on the shoulder recoveries with their recent Ashby and Woodruff successes? At this stage of his comeback road, and given his low velo lefty arsenal, I'd think the Brewers are looking at him as AAAA bullpen depth. Maybe they hammer home that splitter of his and work at more deception - previously he adjusted four-seam and sinker arm slots between heater profiles and then another to cater to his off-speed. None the less, it will be interesting to see what they try to tease out here.

So great that they just have that pitching coaching up and down the system! 

[Jim Goulart]

On 12/16/2025 at 9:28 AM, Spencer Michaelis said:

Speaking of Francys Romero, he reports the Brewers signed RHP Alejandro Bustamante as part of their 2024-25 International pool as well, which is interesting because that international pool closed yesterday I believe. May just be a matter of announcing it, as the paperwork appeared to be done by 12/5 at least based on the post.

18-year-old out of Cuba, the post notes he has a chance to start and has a four pitch mix with his slider standing out:

CH 84-85

SL 83-84

SINK 89-90

FB 91-93

Francys Romero (@francysromerofr) • Instagram photos and videos

WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM

---

743 likes, 51 comments - francysromerofr on December 5, 2025: "El pitcher derecho cubano...

 

Deal now official, with the MiLB Player Page listing Bustamonte at 6’0”, 190. He’ll play at age 18 throughout 2026, birthday August 29th.