Could the Brewers Set Up an Eric Haase vs. Jake Bauers In-Season Battle?

Hopefully, talent largely dictates who makes the initial 26-man roster. However, logistical considerations like minor-league options also play a large role in the Milwaukee Brewers' decisions. This can lead to some unique or suboptimal depth charts to begin the season, in an effort to retain as much organization-wide flexibility as possible. As we approach the start of the 2024 schedule, the Brewers find themselves in a difficult position centered around the off-season acquisitions of Jake Bauers and Gary Sánchez, along with the dominating spring performance of Eric Haase. None of those three players have a minor-league option, and Sánchez will be on the 26-man roster (if fully healthy) as a DH and catcher (sort of).

Thus, it comes down to Bauers vs. Haase--a strange dilemma, because their lack of positional versatility would put the Brewers in a bind over the long haul. Milwaukee traded minor leaguers Jace Avina and Brian Sanchez to acquire Bauers, so GM Matt Arnold likely wants to give him some rope to start the season. Despite Bauers' .211/.302/.413 career line, it appears the Brewers saw something in his left-handed stick, or an area they could improve, to believe Bauers would bring more production to the club than he has at his other stops. Barring a sudden change, he will start the 2024 season as the backup first baseman and left-handed option as a DH and pinch-hitter. Though Bauers has played in the outfield at times, there's no indication the Brewers see him as an option out there.

With Bauers locked in and unable to provide infield coverage, it would make it challenging to carry three catchers in William Contreras, Sánchez and Haase. Manager Pat Murphy has already said he's not usually a fan of it. But Haase's .414/.469/.897 spring slash is tough to ignore, and could give the front office doubts about exposing him to other teams. His Arizona performance includes four home runs, two doubles and 10 RBIs in just 32 plate appearances, while providing solid defense. However, with Sánchez seen as having a guaranteed spot and Bauers getting a look to begin the year, Haase's inclusion would leave the Brewers with one backup outfielder and only one backup infielder to cover multiple spots.

C - Contreras
1B - Rhys Hoskins
2B - Brice Turang
3B - Sal Frelick
SS - Willy Adames
LF - Christian Yelich
CF - Garrett Mitchell
RF - Jackson Chourio
DH - Sanchez

Bench - Joey Ortiz (infield)
Bench - Blake Perkins/Joey Wiemer (outfield)
Bench - Bauers (1B)
Bench - Haase (C)

That thin setup doesn't typically work well in matchups and late-game situations. Assuming Bauers isn't going anywhere before real games begin, do you risk losing Haase after the spring he has posted? There's no doubt another club would pick him up immediately. So maybe there's an option to delay the decision and gather more information.

How about a two-week tryout when the games count?
The Brewers could put both Haase and Bauers on the Opening Day roster and give them about 10 games to prove they can handle their respective roles. Why two weeks? Milwaukee could start Sánchez on the 10-day injured list to give him more time to work back fully from the fractured wrist he suffered last September. Sánchez could undoubtedly use more offensive reps, but more importantly, additional work with the Brewers' catching wizards to improve his defense. Having four passed balls in two spring games is a touch concerning. Going this route allows the Brewers to keep another infielder like Andruw Monasterio on the roster to ensure versatility. Once Milwaukee's brain trust thinks Sánchez is 100 percent ready to roll, then they will have to make the decision on who is likely moving to another club: Bauers or Haase.

Eric Haase - Milwaukee Brewers (3)* pic.twitter.com/kuOQmeAC5Q

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) March 16, 2024

Their roles on the Brewers would differ, so evaluating the two across a small sample of regular-season games entails its own issues. But at least it buys time and allows the team more opportunity to make the "right" call. If they deem it time for Bauers to go, prospect Tyler Black can take his spot as the left-handed first baseman and DH. Remember, Black spent more time working at first base than third base this spring, and Murphy expects him to do the same in Nashville to begin the minor-league season. But Black would also provide coverage at third and second base (unlike Bauers), meaning Monasterio could be sent to Triple A to open the spot for Sánchez, who essentially becomes the DH instead of Bauers.

Should the Brewers believe Haase's value is lower than Bauers' and that Sánchez will suffice as the backup backstop, Sánchez will simply replace Haase on the 26-man roster.

The Brewers' margin for error to reach the postseason this year is slimmer than in the recent past. These fringe choices could make the difference in a handful of games that determine a playoff spot six months from now. What do you think about this option? Do you lean toward a specific type of roster construction a week before Opening Day? The next week-plus will be fascinating to watch.