Brewers

It's much too soon to guess what it means, or even whether it will come to fruition, but the Brewers are talking to their top prospect about a contract that would change the course of the franchise in the short and long term.

The Milwaukee Brewers have saved millions of dollars from early moves this offseason. Why was that their priority? Here are a few different directions the team could be going for the rest of this winter. 

The Brewers installed the highest-paid player in team history as their leadoff hitter in June 2022. He's stayed there most of the time since, and based on one site's advanced baserunning metrics, he ought to remain there for some time to come.

For the first time in a while, there’s some room in the Brewers rotation. After non-tendering Brandon Woodruff and watching Wade Miley and Julio Teheran depart for free agency, who are some of the available starting pitchers the front office might pursue in their stead?

The Brewers recently announced several internal moves, including "expanded duties for former Brewers players Taylor Green and Carlos Villanueva and promotions for Will Hudgins, Matt Kleine, and Karl Mueller to assistant general manager and Matt Klentak to executive advisor to the general manager."

The Brewers are at a crossroads. In 2024, the team can keep to their familiar formula and make another run at a division title - and a chance at the World Series. But such a move will have a price.

Last week, MLB's Competition Committee proposed some tweaks to the new and evolving rules around pitch timers and mound visits. I don't care overmuch about the length of games, but these adjustments still got me excited.

The Brewers have two openings in the starting rotation. Whether the Brewers are rebuilding or retooling, new names will be part of the starting five. What can the Brewers find on the free-agent market that can help them stay competitive for the 2024 season?

The big names available in MLB free agency this hot stove season--Shohei Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery, Josh Hader, and so on--are not necessarily good fits for the Milwaukee Brewers. That doesn't mean the team won't be active on that market, though. The Crew needs a backup catcher. Let's look at some names.

The Brewers' priorities this winter will be finding good options for the corner infield spots, and to solidify their projected production from the designated hitter spot. They could also use some help at second base, though, and one available player could check multiple boxes for them.

Whatever Ken Rosenthal says, not every Brewers player is available--or at least, there are some who are only available if the names Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, Matt McLain or Junior Caminero come up. The Brewers possess one of the most team-friendly pitcher contracts in baseball. What would it take to move it? Let’s discuss.

At long last, we've reached the top of the mountain. These are the five players whom I believe the Brewers would be wisest to pursue and sign this winter, based on team needs, realistic price tags, and the payroll outlook for the team.