Off Season Ideas

[Lloyd330]

For anyone saying that we cant/shouldn't pay Turang based on our "talent" coming up is plain wrong - All those guys could be good/great, but we have a for sure thing in Turang. 

You can always use those guys in future trades to get even more talent. 

[jay87shot]

I know it isn't exciting but I am completely fine with adding no big names and just running it back. For me there are 2 big decisions, #1 being trading Freddy and #2 taking a big swing on a bat. The rest would be possibly resigning guys (Woody) and extensions

If we trade Freddy I would love to go to an 8 man 4 day double piggyback rotation. I think we have the depth and the front office has the foresight to be revolutionary. I know I have proposed this like 3 or 4 time in the past.

1)Priester/Hall  It was great early in the year, run it back.

2)Misi/Gasser  Gasser is the most finasse lefty we have to slot in here with the Mis

3)Henderson/Ashby   I think the power of Ashby after the high volume of changeup from Henderson would work well.

4)2 of Myers, Patrick, Pitcher for Freddy, CarRod, cheap FA vet (I be good with Q back, if not hurt), others

I think that could really save the bullpen and would make it easy to go back and forth beween a 5/6 man rotation if there are injuries. By keeping everyone around 60-65 pitches they shouldn't over extend anyone and it is easy to call up a player from the minors here or there to start a game in the middle of a long stretch. With 5 guys in the pen you can rotate through guys easily especially if you only need to cover 2 innings a game on average. Also we should have really solid AAA pitching depth with Crow, Hardin, Hunt, Cornielle, Wichrowski, and more if need be (and on 40 man).

[nate82]

I think the biggest question mark for the Brewers next year is backup catcher.  Do they go with Quero as the backup catcher or do they want him to play everyday in AAA.  I am not sure what Quero has to prove in AAA other than staying healthy.

[jay87shot]

29 minutes ago, nate82 said:

I think the biggest question mark for the Brewers next year is backup catcher.  Do they go with Quero as the backup catcher or do they want him to play everyday in AAA.  I am not sure what Quero has to prove in AAA other than staying healthy.

I kind of like the idea of Seigler being the backup catcher the 1st month and then bringing Quero up to save the year of arbitration. In the first month, I would guess Seigler would only start 1 maybe 2 games so I wouldn't think we would need to sign anyone. If we could find someone like Alfaro/Haase to catch in AAA and give good depth that would be great. With Contreras set to catch like 130 games every year spending resources on a catcher doesn't make a lot of sense. I also think having Quero being the backup in the bigs all year and getting like 100-150 pa isn't idea either. With Dinges and Matt Wood we do have some decent youth not to far away so trading Quero for a big bat is always an option since Contreras likely won't be going anywhere this year.

[wntrtxn21]

I believe the Brewers keep Peralta then use the QO to get the draft pick after 2026. I don't see them re-signing Woody, the price will be too high for too many years. They have 5 or 6 good, young, quality pitchers to round out the staff next year. I think one of the biggest decisions will be CF and possibly 1B (depending on what Arnold thinks of Vaughn). I don't think any other position (maybe late pen help) needs upgrading like CF. Churio is a decent LF, but not anywhere close to a competent CF.  Perkins just doesn't have the bat to be anything other than a 4th OF. Mitchell can't be relied on because of his extensive injury history.  Bader might be an option if the Twins don't re-sign him. There are trade options also out there. I think Joey O. hits better next year. With his G.G. type defense at SS and with what's coming up, he starts again next year. Durbin has become a reliable 3B and there are few better, affordable options available. 

[sveumrules]

18 minutes ago, wntrtxn21 said:

Churio is a decent LF, but not anywhere close to a competent CF. 

StatCast says he has saved two runs in center, which places him 17th of 26 CF with at least 500 innings this year.

DRS thinks he has cost the Brewers five runs in center, which also comes in at 17th place on their leaderboard.

Either way, both are perfectly competent for a 21 year old with only half a season of games in CF.

[Underachiever]

41 minutes ago, sveumrules said:

StatCast says he has saved two runs in center, which places him 17th of 26 CF with at least 500 innings this year.

DRS thinks he has cost the Brewers five runs in center, which also comes in at 17th place on their leaderboard.

Either way, both are perfectly competent for a 21 year old with only half a season of games in CF.

I always like to bring up that in his third season in the bigs, Robin Yount OPSd .593. He had 31 errors, which was an improvement over the 44 errors he had the year before. This board would have crucified him.

This is not a suggestion that Chourio will have a HOF career like Yount. It is just an appeal to not write him off during his age 21 season either offensively or defensively. I am willing to give Chourio some time. Did he play center in spring training? Or was he pushed into in with Mitchell's injury?

[jay87shot]

I don't mind Chourio in center if Collins and Sal are playing plus defense in the corners. Bader isn't a bad option but his offense career has been so inconsistent that is a risk. Chourio, Sal, Collins, Perk, Mitchell, and Yeli is really great OF and if someone like Black gets the 1B platoon that adds to the OF depth. I would think it is more likely we would trade someone like Perkins away especially as Lara gets closer and we add some new AAA OF depth if Cameron and Olivia leave.

I wouldn't mind adding an OF but if we do it might mean trading Collins or an IF and then moving Collins to 2B/3B. I would prefer that if we go for a big trade acquistion it be at SS/3B, I think overall there can be a bigger improvement at those spots. 

[Playing Catch]

To my eye, Chourio is nursing that hammy. I feel like he's a little slow out of first gear. I think while each of the miscues are super-annoying, are they any more annoying than Turang's misplays? Or Adames' month-long stretch of below-par defense for an extended stretch last year?

I don't worry about any of the recent defensive issues. There isn't much one can do about it. It's not like any manager would make changes with Chourio/Turang that would be based on how well they play their defensive position. They are elite defensive talents... at this stage of their careers, you just keep throwing them out there and expect that they perform as such.

[cragi]

3 hours ago, Playing Catch said:

To my eye, Chourio is nursing that hammy. I feel like he's a little slow out of first gear. I think while each of the miscues are super-annoying, are they any more annoying than Turang's misplays? Or Adames' month-long stretch of below-par defense for an extended stretch last year?

I don't worry about any of the recent defensive issues. There isn't much one can do about it. It's not like any manager would make changes with Chourio/Turang that would be based on how well they play their defensive position. They are elite defensive talents... at this stage of their careers, you just keep throwing them out there and expect that they perform as such.

i have also seen a much less aggressive approach at CF since his return and figured that was an intentional staff decision. We already saw and heard Frelick was changing his approach after coming back in order to protect his health for the playoff run. So i figured they told Chourio the same.

[jay87shot]

20 hours ago, wntrtxn21 said:

I believe the Brewers keep Peralta then use the QO to get the draft pick after 2026. I don't see them re-signing Woody, the price will be too high for too many years. They have 5 or 6 good, young, quality pitchers to round out the staff next year.

More and more I am agreeing with this. Traditionally I have like the trade players with 1 year of control and maximize the return. However with the farm system being pretty muchly a top 3-5 system across the league getting a couple young players isn't as valuable as usual. Add in that the staff would be very unexperienced without him and it should be easier to keep him unless someone just gives up way to much.

[long ball]

I was nerding out this morning during some downtime at work. 
 

I was looking at the full 40 man and how the guys coming back from the 60 day IL will affect it. 
 

I think the most interesting fringe 40 man guys are:

Grant Anderson and Rob Zastryzny- same deal here. Effective in their roles this year, pre-arb, but out of options. Tentatively I’d expect them to last till opening day next year, but I also could see them go on waivers. 
 

connor Thomas- rule five thing complicates it. I’m fine either way if we keep him or if he has to go back to St. Louis. The 3 options would be really nice if we are able to retain him. We will need a few guys on the shuttle squad. 
 

jake Bauers- basically the same thing as last year. A non-tender candidate. He offers a similar skillset to Tyler Black at a slightly higher price - do we just give black a try?

Vaughn- I’m pretty sure they’ll tender him, but I wouldn’t put it at 100%. 
 

I currently have all of these guys except bauers penciled into a 40 man spot exceot Bauers. So after accounting for free agents, likely non-tender (payamps), and returning from the 60 day I have our 40 man at 36. The main minor leaguer I’m thinking of adding is Coleman Crow (I know he’s been hurt, but he might be our best hope of some starting pitcher depth of anyone in the org who hasn’t already made their mlb debut), but this gives us space to add some waiver claims/minor trades/signings at the beginning of the off-season. 

for reference I have these guys all off the roster:

fedde, miller, Montgomery, payamps, Quintana, woodruff, Hoskins, bauers, Jansen. 

[BigWoo53]

On 8/15/2025 at 10:31 PM, ErnieRilesBrianGiles said:

Hard to argue too much with this (though I really want Woodie back); in fact, if Quero is our backup catcher, Siegler our backup infielder, Bauers/EMJ our backup 1st baseman, we literally might not need to sign a single free agent.

Yeah I think maybe a UTIL infielder type like Regnifo or Castro or something. Then a reliever on cheap maybe a vet starter for cheap are about the only deals for FA.

[tmwiese55]

Random that popped in my head. Buy low on Ezequiel Tovar.  Is signed on Chourio type very early extension to buy out arb.  So chances are Col plans to keep him.  But, they are really stupid and he had a bad injury riddled year so might be fine clearing the money and getting prospects.  You could have him for the 2-3 years while he's still cheap then look to trade him if the pile of good IF prospects pan out and are ready for the bigs.  Or would be a stable guy signed so that if Turang proves difficult to sign maybe he'd be the one you trade in 2-3 years before he hits FA to free up space for the prospects.    

But if it costs giving up the great prospects you probably just hold off.  Buy low kick the tires thing to try and take advantage of a dumb team. If they view him as the one thing they can sell to their fans so have a high price just hold off

[jay87shot]

1 hour ago, tmwiese55 said:

Random that popped in my head. Buy low on Ezequiel Tovar.  Is signed on Chourio type very early extension to buy out arb.  So chances are Col plans to keep him.  But, they are really stupid and he had a bad injury riddled year so might be fine clearing the money and getting prospects.  You could have him for the 2-3 years while he's still cheap then look to trade him if the pile of good IF prospects pan out and are ready for the bigs.  Or would be a stable guy signed so that if Turang proves difficult to sign maybe he'd be the one you trade in 2-3 years before he hits FA to free up space for the prospects.    

But if it costs giving up the great prospects you probably just hold off.  Buy low kick the tires thing to try and take advantage of a dumb team. If they view him as the one thing they can sell to their fans so have a high price just hold off

I don't dislike Tovar but the high strikeout and low walk players are not our orgs cup of tea, especially since he isn't a great baserunner either. As you mentioned, I doubt the Rockies give him up cheap since they don't have many other face of the franchise (in the mlb at least) players and Tovar could be that if he can get back on track.

[KCBrewerfan34]

What about taking a swing at Alonso ? 

[brewmann04]

One starter a decent reliever a hitter 

[nate82]

1 hour ago, KCBrewerfan34 said:

What about taking a swing at Alonso ? 

Too much and the Brewers already have a DH in Yelich.  

[Scooterfletcher]

14 hours ago, KCBrewerfan34 said:

What about taking a swing at Alonso ? 

That should read “Madison Mallards alum” Alonso

[jay87shot]

The Rays are looking for catching help, I would be ok with trading Quero if the price would be right. Yandy Diaz would be interesting but with Vaughn and Yeli locked in that doesn't make a ton of sense. I wouldn't mind just doing a prospect for a prospect deal. They also have Pete Fairbanks and Brandon Lowe who could make some sense.

1)OF Theo Gillen (#63 mlb pipeline) for Quero (#61 mlb pipeline)   

We get a bit more potential and clear the path for Dinges. Gillen definitely fit our mold of OF and could make an interesting OF prospect group with Lara, Payne, and possibly Josh A. (I believe he is going to play OF in the AFL) 

2)Fairbanks and 1 of OF Braden Summerhill/P TJ Nichols/Ty Johnson for Quero   

Fairbanks is pretty similar to Megill, we don't usually acquire guys on expiring deals but the 7 million salary isn't huge and if we could get a solid prospect back having another high end reliever would be exciting.

3)3 team deal      Marlins get Yandy Diaz, Chad Patrick, Garrett Mitchell, and Ray pitching prospect around 15-20 in org, Rays get Quero, we get Edward Cabrera

The Marlins have said they are looking to add offense and 1B would be the obvious spot. In this deal, the Marlins get a big bat, young 4/5th starter, and 2 upside pieces. We get 3 years of a high end top of the rotation arm for Quero and Patrick, Mitchell has very little value at this point but makes the deal look better for the M's

 

[harrydalton]

I'd give time to see what Quero can be completely healthy wherever they roster him. If they keep him let Contreras DH some and rest. See if he can play some first or maybe 3rd base. Yogi, Torre and Bench did.

[snoogans8056]

The current labor agreement expires in December of 2026. I think we go into this next year preparing for a 2027 lockout.

My Brewers conspiracy theory is that I think our draft strategy and minor league roster composition over the past couple years has a season of missed MLB time in 2027 entirely in mind. With the goal towards having as few young guys on MLB salaries as possible while being right at the doorstep.

I don't think a lot of guys are going to be called up in 2026, and I don't think anyone is going to take on contracts in the offseason leading up to a possible lockout is what I'm getting at.

[SF70]

If the team doesn’t win a WS this postseason I believe they retain Peralta and make trade additions (veteran starter & power bat) in an attempt to win a title next season with a lockout looming in ‘27. 

Not “empty the farm” trades, but trades from depth positions that coupled with continued development from Chourio-Turang-Frelick-Contreras-Durbin-Collins-Mitchell, and their boatload of controlled starting pitching give them real potential of having an improved team over this year’s team.

I’m not seeing a big FA addition because of payroll limitations so the trade route they will go.

[Scooterfletcher]

30 minutes ago, SF70 said:

If the team doesn’t win a WS this postseason I believe they retain Peralta and make trade additions (veteran starter & power bat) in an attempt to win a title next season with a lockout looming in ‘27. 

Not “empty the farm” trades, but trades from depth positions that coupled with continued development from Chourio-Turang-Frelick-Contreras-Durbin-Collins-Mitchell, and their boatload of controlled starting pitching give them real potential of having an improved team over this year’s team.

I’m not seeing a big FA addition because of payroll limitations so the trade route they will go.

Agreed to an extent but might the power bat they desire be more along the lines of a Brett Baty/Cody Mayo that isn’t quite proven but that they deem is on the verge of a 30 homer season is more my question.

[TURBO]

On 10/2/2025 at 7:25 AM, jay87shot said:

 

3)3 team deal      Marlins get Yandy Diaz, Chad Patrick, Garrett Mitchell, and Ray pitching prospect around 15-20 in org, Rays get Quero, we get Edward Cabrera

The Marlins have said they are looking to add offense and 1B would be the obvious spot. In this deal, the Marlins get a big bat, young 4/5th starter, and 2 upside pieces. We get 3 years of a high end top of the rotation arm for Quero and Patrick, Mitchell has very little value at this point but makes the deal look better for the M's

 

Cabrera would be an interesting get with our pitching lab, but he has been nothing but disappointing compared to his pedigree.

At this point, I'm not sure I'd trade Patrick straight up for him.  :)

I  definitely wouldn't trade Quero straight up for Cabrera, much less throw in Patrick.  I couldn't care less what we do with Mitchell, not a chance this guy is ever going to pan out, I'd rather pawn him off an another team and let them pretend he's going to be a difference maker some day.