Why the Brewers Should Trade for Tyler Soderstrom

[Telemachus Rafaelidys]

Tyler Soderstrom would be the perfect fit for the Brewers in left field. He just turned 24, has four years of club control remaining, and is coming off a breakout season in which he was worth roughly 4 wins above replacement. Perhaps, most importantly, he has the type of power that the Brewers' outfield lacked last season, and he could grow into more. In the aftermath of the Brewers' NLCS loss to the Dodgers, the lack of over-the-fence power the team showed in 2025 has been a major talking point. Even manager Pat Murphy chimed in at the Winter Meetings.

“I hope we are this year,” Murphy said, when prompted by a reporter stating that the Brewers weren’t considered a home run team in 2025.

Soderstrom was the Athletics' first-round pick in 2020. He entered their player development system as a catcher, but his offense has taken off now that he is no longer behind the plate. The 2025 season was the first time in his professional career that Soderstrom didn’t catch at all, and he had a huge season. Soderstrom’s 25 home runs would have been the second-most on the Brewers after Christian Yelich’s 29, and his maximum exit velocity of 114 MPH would have been second to William Contreras’s 114.1. Soderstrom has above-average bat speed and a solid hard-hit percentage, and while he chases more than most Brewers hitters, he makes above-average in-zone contact. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, the power here is real.

Defensively, Soderstrom initially moved to first base, but he wasn’t very good there. When the A’s promoted eventual Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, they moved Soderstrom to left field, where he excelled. Soderstrom has a strong arm and recorded the second-most outfield assists in the American League, with 11. Even more impressive was the range Soderstrom displayed: he finished 5th among all left fielders in Statcast’s OAA and was a finalist for the Gold Glove, losing to Steven Kwan.

 

While the Gold Glove nod likely over-hyped his defense somewhat, Soderstrom’s combination of power and positive defensive contribution is enticing. Here are the players who had more home runs in 2025 and a more positive defensive impact in the outfield than Soderstrom: Aaron Judge, Julio Rodriguez, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cody Bellinger, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Andy Pages. Soderstrom will need to prove he can do this again for it to feel like he belongs on a list with those names, but that’s an exciting group of comps.

The A’s almost certainly aren’t looking to move Soderstrom, so the Brewers would likely need to overpay to acquire him. But on the heels of the Isaac Collins trade, the Brewers should look to make another roster-consolidating move, turning multiple player assets into a higher-performing player to maximize the output on the major-league roster. If you are going to overpay for a player, a 24-year-old ascending power hitter who plays solid defense is the type to target. Consider Bellinger, who placed above Soderstrom in defensive value and hit four more home runs last season. He could sign a contract for more than $150 million this winter, and he’s already 30 years old.

For a cost-controlled, power-hitting outfielder who can field his position, what should the Brewers be willing to offer? Like everyone else in the league, the A’s have reportedly been looking to acquire controllable starting pitching. Would Robert Gasser or Logan Henderson get the conversation started? The Brewers could include an additional arm from the upper minor leagues, such as Tate Kuehner or KC Hunt, then complete the offer by dealing from their surplus of corner infielders and include Mike Boeve or Brock Wilken. Acquiring good young players isn’t cheap, but the Brewers have the depth in their system to make a trade like this if they want to.

Tyler Soderstrom isn’t a star right now. He was dislodged from his position and played in the shadow of his award-winning teammate last year. However, another year removed from the stress and grind of catching could change that. The Brewers should trade for Soderstrom before he reaches that next level, and maybe they can reach new highs together.

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[eddiemathews]

This would be really expensive. Pratt and Pena expensive. At least.

[Sugarrayray]

13 minutes ago, eddiemathews said:

This would be really expensive. Pratt and Pena expensive. At least.

Yeah I think it would be more expensive than the packages offered up in this article. But I think more along the lines of Pratt OR Pena. A package built around one of those two guys should get it done.

[eddiemathews]

20 minutes ago, Sugarrayray said:

Yeah I think it would be more expensive than the packages offered up in this article. But I think more along the lines of Pratt OR Pena. A package built around one of those two guys should get it done.

I'm using MLB Trade Simulator. An imperfect system, but still. The A's have no reason to deal Soderstrom; they are closer to contending than we might think. If you start with one of these you are likely looking at three others. Maybe one of these two and Patrick, but I'm not real keen on losing any potential starters at this point.

[sveumrules]

I'd guess the A's would ask for one of Henderson or Patrick (would be extra funny since we got him from the A's for Abraham Toro to begin with) as an MLB ready rotation piece, Pratt to be their future SS if Jacob Wilson's metrics don't improve (-14 DRS | -4 FRV so far), and Garrett Mitchell as the throw in lotto ticket to replace Soderstrom in the near term.

[eddiemathews]

9 minutes ago, sveumrules said:

I'd guess the A's would ask for one of Henderson or Patrick (would be extra funny since we got him from the A's for Abraham Toro to begin with) as an MLB ready rotation piece, Pratt to be their future SS if Jacob Wilson's metrics don't improve (-14 DRS | -4 FRV so far), and Garrett Mitchell as the throw in lotto ticket to replace Soderstrom in the near term.

Mitchell might have negative value at this point. Maybe Fisher.

[wallus]

7 minutes ago, eddiemathews said:

Mitchell might have negative value at this point. Maybe Fisher.

He makes peanuts, he isn't negative.

[eddiemathews]

4 minutes ago, wallus said:

He makes peanuts, he isn't negative.

It isn't peanuts to the A's. Why would they take a guy that they figure has no chance of ever producing? He's a sunk cost for the Brewers.

[nathanj42]

Mitchell projects as a 1.0 WAR over 228 PAs, so almost a 3.0 WAR player over a full season. There's 17 teams looking for a player like that, and Mitchell projects to make $2mm this season. Health is always his concern, but $2mm for an above average player with health concerns still has plenty of excess value.

[wallus]

58 minutes ago, eddiemathews said:

It isn't peanuts to the A's. Why would they take a guy that they figure has no chance of ever producing? He's a sunk cost for the Brewers.

Why would they take a guy with 4 years of control, plays a premium position defensively well and is a great athlete? If the Brewers thought he was a sunk cost, they would have non tendered him.

Around 2 million dollars is peanuts to every team in MLB. The minimum is almost 1 million now.

[Telemachus Rafaelidys]

1 hour ago, eddiemathews said:

Mitchell might have negative value at this point. Maybe Fisher.

When Mitchell is able to play, he is an elite defensive center fielder and a good low ball hitter. The two issues are that he hasn't been able to stay healthy or hit high fastballs. The Brewers seem to still value him - without further roster moves he would likely be the starting CF. Roster Resource shows Mitchell on the bench with Bauers starting in left, and while Bauers had a mini-breakout last season with a much better approach at the plate, he doesn't field the position well enough to be on the grass for the big side of a platoon.

Mitchell could be an interesting trade target for a team like the Mets that want to improve their OF defense, and Stearns was in Milwaukee when the team selected him in the first round of the draft.

I'd be very cautious trading away Fischer - maybe that means it's the actual cost.

[eddiemathews]

55 minutes ago, Telemachus Rafaelidys said:

When Mitchell is able to play, he is an elite defensive center fielder and a good low ball hitter. The two issues are that he hasn't been able to stay healthy or hit high fastballs. The Brewers seem to still value him - without further roster moves he would likely be the starting CF. Roster Resource shows Mitchell on the bench with Bauers starting in left, and while Bauers had a mini-breakout last season with a much better approach at the plate, he doesn't field the position well enough to be on the grass for the big side of a platoon.

Mitchell could be an interesting trade target for a team like the Mets that want to improve their OF defense, and Stearns was in Milwaukee when the team selected him in the first round of the draft.

I'd be very cautious trading away Fischer - maybe that means it's the actual cost.

Diabetics are more susceptible to injury than non-diabetics, and Mitchell has a significant injury history. If I were running a team (and that team would be in deep doo-doo), I might sign him to a minor league deal if he got released, but I would never give up anything of value for him. His talent is tantalizing, but his inability to play is a tad off-putting. Don't get me wrong, I really like his skill set...but, well, you know.

[eddiemathews]

1 hour ago, wallus said:

Why would they take a guy with 4 years of control, plays a premium position defensively well and is a great athlete? If the Brewers thought he was a sunk cost, they would have non tendered him.

Around 2 million dollars is peanuts to every team in MLB. The minimum is almost 1 million now.

As I said elsewhere, teams will be very afraid of his injury history given his diabetes. If not for that they could chalk all of the injuries up to bad luck. I truly hope he can break out with the Brewers, but I wouldn't give up anything of value for him in a trade.

[Brewersfan1]

2 hours ago, wallus said:

He makes peanuts, he isn't negative.

This is the A’s we are talking about… he doesn’t make peanuts. He’s older, more expensive, been less productive and has played significantly less games than Soderstrom. It’s absolutely a net loss to them.

[Brewersfan1]

1 hour ago, wallus said:

Why would they take a guy with 4 years of control, plays a premium position defensively well and is a great athlete? If the Brewers thought he was a sunk cost, they would have non tendered him.

Around 2 million dollars is peanuts to every team in MLB. The minimum is almost 1 million now.

Mitchell’s only redeem value right now is having an option (I think) and that’s why the Brewers don’t release him. There’s nothing to suggest he can hit major league pitching. He’s shown glimpses, but that was over a year ago. He has next to no trade value. Maybe to Stearns and that’s all lol.

[sveumrules]

I just brought up Mitchell as a lotto ticket throw in because I figured one of Henderson/Patrick plus Pratt would be just about enough value on their own.

If the A's were to deal Soderstrom (I don't think they have any real interest in doing so) their next OF up would be...

Carlos Cortes [over 880 PA at AAA from 2022-24 Carlos put up an 87 wRC+. Over 314 PA at AAA in 2025 he jumped to a 138 wRC+ before his small sample MLB debut with 99 PA of 132 wRC+ at age 28. Was way out over his skis though with an actual .363 wOBA versus a .318 xwOBA] or...

Colby Thomas [698 PA of 108 wRC+ with a 28.4 K% at AAA from 2024-25 before his 132 PA of 82 wRC+ with a 37.1 K% in his MLB call up]

A healthy Garrett Mitchell is an upgrade over both of them. Obviously his health is a huge question mark, but that is why he'd just be a lotto ticket throw in to backfill Soderstrom's spot.

[tmwiese55]

As said, OAK has been at least trying to compete lately so I don't see them looking to move this guy.  But yea, he does seem the type who would be worth ponying up significant prospects.   Position and skill they need, while being young and controlled.   Would all depend on their prospect demand and I'd guess it would be such an overpay that MKE says No 

[wallus]

15 minutes ago, Brewersfan1 said:

This is the A’s we are talking about… he doesn’t make peanuts. He’s older, more expensive, been less productive and has played significantly less games than Soderstrom. It’s absolutely a net loss to them.

The A's had to spend money last offseason to avoid a potential grivenance by the player's association. (see the Severino signing) 

Have you guys not paid attention to what free agents are getting this offseason? Houser just got 22 million.

[Brewersfan1]

6 minutes ago, wallus said:

The A's had to spend money last offseason to avoid a potential grivenance by the player's association. (see the Severino signing) 

Have you guys not paid attention to what free agents are getting this offseason? Houser just got 22 million.

That’s something a lot of people would call an outlier.

Have you not paid attention to the A’s? They trade to restock the farm. Feel free to look up where they rank in team salary.

 

[tmwiese55]

4 minutes ago, Brewersfan1 said:

That’s something a lot of people would call an outlier.

Have you not paid attention to the A’s? They trade to restock the farm. Feel free to look up where they rank in team salary.

 

Yea but the guy you're talking about here will make barely above league min.      Money wouldn't be an issue on Mitchell, it would be if they'd rather take a flyer on a different young guy than him due to the injuries, along with he has less team control than someone who hasn't debuted yet. 

[Brewersfan1]

4 minutes ago, tmwiese55 said:

Yea but the guy you're talking about here will make barely above league min.      Money wouldn't be an issue on Mitchell, it would be if they'd rather take a flyer on a different young guy than him due to the injuries, along with he has less team control than someone who hasn't debuted yet. 

The guy I’m talking about may make double what Soderstrom makes to not play and when he does play not produce the way Soderstrom does. Feel free to find me a trade the A’s have made that does that. If Mitchell is as talented as people are saying (he is talented) then selling low on a player is always dumb. His injury history gives him absolutely zero trade value. 
 

[JerBancroft]

I literally started saying this 2 years ago reference Soderstrom. 

I suggested trading from our wealth of young OF depth to fill an obvious hole at 1B. 

The replies from brewer fans were:

❌️The A's will never trade him

❌️No one trades prospects.for other prospects

❌️we can just stick someone else at 1B

And my favorite:

❌️he might not even pan out like Andrew Vaughn never panned out

Now it seems like our hole is at shortstop more than first base. 

I'd focus on moving Turang to SS, Durbin to 2B (where his arm and lack of power play better), and trade for or sign a real third baseman. 

[SandyTolan]

I really like the idea of trading for Soderstrom. I agree the package offered in the piece is light, but with the Brewers SP surplus (for now anyway), some kind of Henderson/Pratt, or Patrick/Peña, package - I'd do it. Fills a huge hole. And even if Mitchell is healthy most of 2026, having a five-man rotation (Chourio-Frelick-Mitchell-Soderstrom-Yelich) between OF and DH is very do-able. You'd rest Mitchell and Yelich more often especially against tough LHPs, and of course it'd be a safeguard against injury. It also makes it easier to try to get something for Blake, or include him in a package in a possible Peralta/Megill deal. And then it would be easier to stomach just getting prospects for Freddy.

[TURBO]

29 minutes ago, SandyTolan said:

I really like the idea of trading for Soderstrom. I agree the package offered in the piece is light, but with the Brewers SP surplus (for now anyway), some kind of Henderson/Pratt, or Patrick/Peña, package - I'd do it. Fills a huge hole. And even if Mitchell is healthy most of 2026, having a five-man rotation (Chourio-Frelick-Mitchell-Soderstrom-Yelich) between OF and DH is very do-able. You'd rest Mitchell and Yelich more often especially against tough LHPs, and of course it'd be a safeguard against injury. It also makes it easier to try to get something for Blake, or include him in a package in a possible Peralta/Megill deal. And then it would be easier to stomach just getting prospects for Freddy.

I think you can remove Yelich from the OF rotation you mentioned.  Their OF rotation as it stands now would be Chourio, Frelick, Mitchell, Baddoo, Bauers, Lockridge, and Perkins.  Outside of Chourio and Frelick, that is a very weak rotation.

We simply need one guy to add to that stable and our OF could be set.  Would love to get Soderstrom, but I don't think we are willing to pony up the prospects it would take.

[tmwiese55]

44 minutes ago, Brewersfan1 said:

The guy I’m talking about may make double what Soderstrom makes to not play and when he does play not produce the way Soderstrom does. Feel free to find me a trade the A’s have made that does that. If Mitchell is as talented as people are saying (he is talented) then selling low on a player is always dumb. His injury history gives him absolutely zero trade value. 
 

Did you read the proposal?  Its not Mitchell straight up for Soderstrom. Mitchell is just a toss in flyer who can play at MLB at this point.     The point is merely that the money this year has nothing to do with it. If OAK wouldn't want him its because of the injuries and/or that he doesn't have as many years of control left, so they'd choose someone else