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  • Milwaukee Brewers Free Agent & Trade Rumors, Notes, & Tidbits

    The latest Milwaukee Brewers free agent and trade rumors, along with notes and tidbits about the team.
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    Jason Wang
    With the Timber Rattlers' season now over, Jesus Made will be making his way to Double-A Biloxi to help with their playoff run starting next week. Of course, this is more than a throwaway move and signals yet another major milestone for the 18-year-old.
    Made needed just 123 plate appearances with High-A Wisconsin to prove that he was ready for a step up in competition. Since being promoted in August, he has slashed .343/.415/.500 for a wRC+ of 157. Other than his walk rate, nearly every aspect of his offensive profile was an improvement from what he did with Single-A Carolina earlier in the year. 
    While in High-A, his top-notch bat-to-ball were on full display as he had a swinging strike percentage of just 9.2% and a contact rate of 78.9%. His walk rate did dip slightly but was still at a respectable 10.6% while his strikeout rate of 17.9% was also a slight improvement over his performance in Single-A. 
    We likely won't get a very meaningful sample of what he can do in Double-A given the small amount of remaining games but it could give fans a glimpse of what's to come starting next year. He's seemingly ahead of what's already a pretty accelerated schedule with an ETA of 2028 but could be on the doorstep of the big leagues as soon as next year. 
    Jake McKibbin
    Ha-Seong Kim would have been an ideal addition for the Brewers earlier in the season, albeit he has spent a lot of the year on the injured list. Capable of pull side power, Kim's fantastic swing decisions and low strikeout rate would mesh well with the Brewers while also showcasing great defensive grades over the last three seasons.
    Kim is being linked with the New York Yankees, who are concerned by the defensive performances of Anthony Volpe in 2025. He's a base-stealing threat and one of the smoothest shortstops in the league, who provides a consistent ~ .700 OPS that marks a substantial upgrade on the output from Joey Ortiz thus far.

    He has back tightness at present, and has struggled with injuries this year, which should lower the cost but does present some risk to any acquisition. How much would you give to see the versatile former Padre in the six hole through August and September?
     
    Jason Wang
    Hoskins has been out of action since early July when he sustained a left thumb sprain while making a tag at first base. He was originally expected to be back in the lineup by mid- to late-August, but the most recent updates suggest that he isn't expected to start his rehab assignment until then. 
    Milwaukee did (sort of) hedge against this by acquiring Andrew Vaughn from the White Sox, and he has been playing incredibly well so far, almost suspiciously so. Since joining the team, he's slashing .375/.439/.771 across a sample of 57 plate appearances, which is way above his career norms of .250/.306/.414. It's unclear as to whether the front office truly saw something in him worth making him the Brewers' starting first baseman down the stretch, but if they just saw him as a holdover that has worked out far better than expected, they'll have to start looking for more reinforcements.
    Ryan O'Hearn stands out as one of the only options at the position that could give the lineup a real boost. With a .456 slugging percentage and 133 OPS+, he's a hitter with qualities that compensate for the current lack of pop. As it stands, Jackson Chourio is the only hitter with a slugging percentage over .450 and the team's combined slugging percentage of .387 places them 23rd in MLB. 
    The only move Milwaukee has made so far is to acquire Danny Jansen to serve as their backup catcher, which does make the team better, but perhaps not enough to push them past their typical first round exit. In an ideal world, Andrew Vaughn would maintain his 234 OPS+ through the end of the season but reality will likely set in before long. Will is true abilities still be enough to take the Brewers to the next level or should they seek more help before it's too late?
     
    Brock Beauchamp
    Brewers rumors are hard to come by this deadline, as they are more deadlines. The Brewers are one of the most tight-lipped organizations in baseball, but according to Curt Hogg of The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, most of the Brewers' trade deadline efforts are focused around a first base solution and an addition to the bullpen.
    The corner-infield market is thin, so most conversations start with Orioles first baseman Ryan O'Hearn . In his walk year, O’Hearn owns a .306/.386/.495 slash, a .333 wOBA, and a 153 wRC+ through 91 games, numbers that earned his first All-Star nod. Baltimore has signaled a willingness to move expiring contracts, making the 32-year-old left-handed hitter, who can also cover both corner-outfield spots, one of the few impact bats realistically available. 
    In regards to the bullpen, given the Brewers' proclivity for developing their own bullpen power arms, it's hard to envision them paying a king's ransom for one of the controllable late-inning relievers on the market, such as Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, or Ryan Helsley.
    But there are several middle-inning arms on the market: you can find a starter pack of arms in DiamondCentric's trade deadline roundup.
    Jake McKibbin
    The Brewers have gone where they'd be least expected with (excuse the pun) a left field approach for Steven Kwan of the Guardians per the Moccbomb twitter account.
    Steven Kwan is a Gold Glover in left field who fits the Sal Frelick mold from the left-hand side. He doesn't swing and miss, doesn't strike out, takes his walks, and has shown more power over the last two seasons than many expected out of him. He's posting a .762 OPS so far in 2025 with a .351 on-base percentage and nine home runs so far.
    Kwan is arbitration eligible in 2026, meaning the Brewers would have control of the Guardians outfield star for three years after the conclusion of this season. Would they truly entertain such a move? Are they more concerned about their outfield depth than we realise?
    Kwan fits the Brewers player profile to a T, but there remains a question of whether the Brewers need more of that archetype in their line-up. He also would be incredibly costly than to the years of control remaining. 
    Could the Brewers seriously make this move? How would Kwan fit into the Brewers setup?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
    Editor's Note: The Twitter account MoccBomb has been correct in the past, though is somewhat unreliable compared to other rumormongers. 
    Brock Beauchamp
    Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has reported the Brewers are showing interest in first baseman/corner outfielder. The 32-year-old O'Hearn has 12 home runs, a .284/.375/.452 slash line, a .360 wOBA and a 133 wRC+ through 92 games, though he has cooled to .218 with a .684 OPS since May 27. He is earning $3.8 million this season, leaving approximately $2.5 million owed, and can become a free agent in November. 
    O’Hearn would give Milwaukee another option at first base while Rhys Hoskins rehabs a left-thumb sprain that is projected to sideline him until mid-to-late August. Andrew Vaughn has filled in capably, and switch-hitting rookie Isaac Collins has taken most of the reps in left field, but manager Pat Murphy has still searched for extra left-side power. 
    That need is clear in the numbers: entering Monday, Brewers left-handed hitters ranked 21st in slugging percentage (.380) and 23rd in home runs (33). Only designated hitter Christian Yelich (20 homers) and Jackson Chourio (17) have exceeded O’Hearn’s total.
    Matthew Lenz
    The Milwaukee Brewers have an arsenal of starting pitchers and are in a position to move one of those pieces to improve their roster elsewhere. 
    While the rumor mill has been relatively mum on the Brewers' plans at the deadline, they are in a position to sell a big league piece or two while also buying.
    Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that the Milwaukee Brewers are listening to offers on starting pitcher Nestor Cortes.
    Cortes has been on the injured list since with a flexor strain after making just two starts for the Brewers Crew back in April. He was roughed up in the first start of the season, allowing five runs over two innings, but rebounded nicely in his second start against the Cincinnati Reds. He went six innings, striking out six, and not allowing a run. In four minor league rehab starts, he has posted a 21.8% strikeout-minus-walk rate over 18 innings.
    Do you think the Brewers should deal Cortes? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    Relative to other buyers, trade deadline rumors regarding the Milwaukee Brewers have been a bit quiet.
    On an episode of Foul Territory on Wednesday, Jim Bowden stoked that fire a bit by reporting that the club is looking to improve the left side of the infield over the next week.
    Joey Ortiz has been the primary shortstop for the Brewers this season. In 98 games, he holds an OPS of .589 with 7 home runs, 42 runs scored, and 31 runs batted in. Ortiz has also added 9 stolen bases this season. Defensively, he has continued to be a valuable asset, recording 8 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). He has also seen time at third and second base. While Ortiz has been great defensively, his offense has been putrid. It's possible the Brewers would be looking for a more balanced player at the position.
    Initially a game of musical chairs, Caleb Durbin has locked down the hot corner. Since May 21st, Durbin ranks first in OBP (.391), eighth in slugging (.456), and fifth in wRC+ (142) amongst third baseman. He's hit five home runs and stolen nine bases on the season. Moreover, he currently has 14 DRS. 
    What shortstops should the Brewers target? Should they look to upgrade from Durbin? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Jake McKibbin
    Oneil Cruz is one of the most talented players in Major League Baseball, but it's talent the Pittsburgh Pirates have failed to fully unlock. Boasting the hardest tracked batted ball, coincidentally against the Brewers, Cruz's power is undeniable, but could the Brewers provide a tempting package?
    Under control through 2028, Cruz fits the bill for the Brewers in providing both power and shortstop cover. At times maligned for his effort, perhaps a change of scenery, and especially a taste of the Brewers ethos, could help him take the next step.
    The package required would be a big one, but it could center around Garrett Mitchell as an outfield replacement, and Cooper Pratt as a shortstop and build from there.
    Would you like to see Oneil Cruz in Brewers uniform? What would you be willing to part with for perhaps the most singularly destructive bat in baseball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
    Jake McKibbin
    Ryan Helsley plays for the St Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals seemed determined to sell this season, despite looking like a solid contender for the playoffs for most of the season. It's a "Major League" type of problem for a club looking to reset, but it could play to the Brewers' advantage.
    Rumors are swirling that Ryan Helsley will be available at the deadline, and he could be the perfect complement to a Brewers bullpen that could perhaps strengthen its leverage spots. While Jared Koenig has performed admirably, he doesn't have the shutdown presence of Helsley, and a combination of the Cardinals bulldog with Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe could be truly devastating at the back end.

    While Helsley has been one of the best closers in baseball over the last few seasons, his walk rates have shot up and he has been prone to some hard contact. He profiles quite like the 2025 Megill in that his fastball whiffs have dried up but he's using his slider more often to devastating effect.
    His market will no doubt be strong, but his walk rates have surged and, by being a rental, the price may not be shockingly high for the Cardinals to part with their closer.
    Would you want to see Ryan Helsley pitching for your Milwaukee Brewers? What would you be willing trade for the rental closer? 
    Brock Beauchamp
    Curt Hogg of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel caught some quotes from Brewers General Manager Matt Arnold on trading Freddy Peralta.
    Long story short, it's unlikely (as should be the case). Peralta's guaranteed contract ends after the season, but it includes a ridiculously cheap team option for 2026, which the Brewers will surely pick up following the season.
    While Arnold said it's unlikely Peralta will be traded, he couched his statement in GM-speak:
    “Obviously, it’s important for us to never close the door, but Freddy means the world to our franchise and all of us,” Arnold said. “I would expect him to be a big part of this going down the stretch. It’s something that we can never exclusively say no on anything. But he just means so much to so many people here. I’m thrilled to have him as a part of this team.”
    After the Josh Hader debacle of 2022, it's hard to envision the Brewers front office trading one of the leaders of their pitching staff amid a race for the division title. If Peralta is to be traded before he enters free agency, this offseason is the most likely time for such trade rumors to emerge.
    Spencer Michaelis
    Sean Episcope is from the Chicago area originally, but has spent his college career at Princeton. At 6'0, he throws from a higher slot than you would expect. After undergoing Tommy John Surgery his senior year of high school, he is dealing with another elbow injury currently that will likely keep him out for a while.
    MLB Pipeline has Episcope ranked 215th overall, and their write-up discusses how he, "made 10 uneven starts as a freshman with the Tigers in 2024, but came out of the gate this year like gangbusters, with 26 strikeouts and just four walks in 20 innings, including a nine-strikeout, five-inning start at Wake Forest that opened a lot of eyes. But he came out of his fourth start with his biceps tingling, and it was eventually determined that he required another procedure, getting internal brace surgery in May."
    They then dive into his interesting pitch mix, saying, "Episcope does have the pitch mix to potentially start when healthy. He was topping out at 97 mph with his fastball and averaging a touch over 94, while maintaining that velocity throughout his starts before he got shut down. He has two legitimate breaking balls, with a mid-80s gyro-like slider and more of a 12-to-6 power curve up to 82 mph that registered elite-level spin rates north of 3,000 rpm. Combined, the two breakers elicited a 60-percent miss rate over his four starts, according to Synergy. Episcope did an excellent job filling up the strike zone this spring, but given the lack of history on the mound and the multiple elbow procedures, it's a little more difficult to pinpoint where he belongs in a Draft class. Some thought he could go as high as the second round as a future starter had his success continued, while others see his size and injuries and see a reliever profile."
    The Brewers' next selection will come in the sixth round, 185th overall.
    Spencer Michaelis
    Joshua Flores hails from the same high school as 2023 pick Josh Adamczewski and 2024 pick Griffin Tobias, making it three years in a row the Brewers went to the well at Lake Central High School in Indiana.
    MLB Pipeline has Flores ranked 243rd overall, and wrote, "Indiana's high school pitching crop runs deeper than usual this year, and Flores has the loudest stuff of the group. He features one of the best curveballs in the national prep class, though he also averaged a walk per inning as a senior. He comes with a high ceiling but also a good deal of reliever risk. Flores' hammer curveball ranges from 82-85 mph with downer break, grading as a well above-average pitch at times but also moving so much he has difficulty landing it in the zone. He has better command of a tighter slider with similar velocity. Hitters can't really guard against his breaking balls because his fastball sits at 92-95 mph and touches 97 with some armside run and carry. Flores barely utilizes his mid-80s changeup, which flashes some interesting tumble. The Kentucky recruit has a long arm action and effort in his delivery, which hampers his ability to throw strikes, let alone locate his offerings with much precision. He'll be an intriguing project for a team that believes in its ability to develop pitchers."
    The Brewers' next selection will be 155th overall, in the fifth round.
    Matthew Lenz
    As the "first half" of the season was coming to an end Sunday, independent reporter Francys Romero dropped an exciting rumor surrounding the Milwaukee Brewers and their phenom starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski.
    The two sides have already had extension talks as the team is looking to buy out his arbitration and pre-arbitration years.
    Misiorowski, 23, has been dominant in his first five big-league starts, which resulted in him being named to the National League All-Star team. In 25 2/3 innings of work, he's recorded a 2.81 ERA, though a 3.82 FIP, suggesting some underlying weakness. Misiorowski has demonstrated impressive control with a strikeout minus walk rate (K-BB%) of 22.1%.
    The Brewers made a similar move with Jackson Chourio, who signed an eight-year contract for a guaranteed for $82 million. This deal, which was finalized in December 2023 before his major league debut, included a $2 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $10.25 million. They could look at a deal that is similar to what the Cleveland Guardians and starting pitcher Tanner Bibee agreed to earlier this year - a five year, $48 million pact.
    If you're the Brewers, what is your final and best offer for the young ace? If you're Misiorowski, are you signing an extension now? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Jake McKibbin
    Adolis Garcia has a .657 OPS in 2025. Let's face it, he wasn't that great in 2024 either. That being said, he's showing some real signs of progress under the hood that suggest a big breakout with the type of power the Brewers are desperate for.
    If I showed you the two baseball savant pages below and asked which one you would prefer, I think the one on the left would likely win out. That would be Garcia, while the one on the right is Eugenio Suarez, one of the most in-demand trade targets expected to be available at the deadline in 2025. Suarez has the advantage of playing in a hitters' paradise within Chase Field, and his actual numbers more closely resemble his expected production than Garcia's, but both are streaky and have the potential to carry an offense

    As a bonus, Garcia is also under team control through 2026.
    There's solid range in the outfield, a cannon of a throwing arm, and a monstrous bat. He's coming into form, reducing his whiff rate to just 19% in July (down from 30%+ in recent months) while having an expected batting average of .377 and expected slugging mark of .684. He provides just the type of danger the Brewers' lineup is currently lacking.
    We're also beginning to see some rumours pointing towards a connection between Garcia and the Brewers. With his history of postseason performance, the passion with which he plays, would you like to see Adolis Garcia in a Brewers uniform come August? What would you be willing to give up for him?
    Matthew Lenz
    It remains unclear how aggressive the Milwaukee Brewers will be at the trade deadline, but Jim Bowden of The Athletic speculates they could be as a landing spot if the Boston Red Sox cannot extend him ahead of the trade deadline.
    Bowden goes on to suggest the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers as additional suitors for the superstar third basemen, if he is dealt.
    Through 51 games, he boasts an impressive .938 OPS, fueled by a .385 on-base percentage and a .553 slugging percentage. He has hit 11 home runs and driven in 35 runs, while also scoring 32 runs. He signed a 3-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox in February 2025 with opt outs at the end of each season.
    Do you think the Brewers should pay up to add Bregman or address other needs? Join the conversation in the comments!
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