Harold Hutchison

Brewers fans are fretting about the potential departure of Corbin Burnes and the injury-related absence of Brandon Woodruff. It’s unavoidable, given that they combined with Freddy Peralta to form a dominant 1-2-3 punch. But could significant help be available from the farm? /images-custom/google-analytics/author-tracker.gif/images-custom/google-analytics/author-tracker.gif Image courtesy of © Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports The Brewers are not without starting pitching prospects in the farm system, and there is a pathway for them to not only stay seriously competitive in 2024, but to break in some of their best prospects at the same time. So, let’s look and see who the Brewers have available. We’ll divvy this up into two parts, with this one covering pitchers who were primarily at Triple A, Double A, and Advanced Class A in 2023. Janson Junk (Triple-A Nashville) 7-10, 4.18 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 145 hits, 44 walks, 94 strikeouts over 140 innings pitched in 27 games (25 starts) with Nashville 0-1, 4.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 8 hits, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts over 7 1/3 innings pitched in 2 games (one start) with Milwaukee Junk was part of the return from the Hunter Renfroe trade, and provided depth for the Brewers. A full offseason with access to the Brewers pitching lab could be beneficial for Junk, who will only be able to be optioned to the minor leagues for one more season. Caleb Boushley (Triple-A Nashville) 9-8, 5.11 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 136 hits, 51 walks, 110 strikeouts over 135 2/3 innings pitched in 29 games (26 starts) with Nashville 1-0, 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 1 hit, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts over 2 1/3 innings pitched in one game with Milwauke Boushley, currently a minor-league free agent, also provided some depth and notched a thrilling late-season win over the Chicago Cubs. Like Junk, he could end up on the Milwaukee-Nashville shuttle and provide some rotation depth in 2024, but that's only if the Crew re-signs him. Evan McKendry (Triple-A Durham/Nashville) 12-6, 4.30 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 125 hits, 46 walks, 130 strikeouts over 142 1/3 innings pitching in 28 games (23 starts) overall 4-3, 4.93 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 40 hits, 18 walks, 35 strikeouts over 45 2/3 innings pitched with Nashville (MIL) McKendry was acquired by the Crew Aug. 1, in exchange for catcher Alex Jackson. In this case, the Brewers may have picked up a solid depth prospect. McKendry, like Junk, could benefit from an offseason at the Brewers pitching lab. The team did not protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, though, so he could be out of the organization less than a month from now. Robert Gasser (Triple-A Nashville) 9-1, 3.79 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 123 hits, 50 walks, 166 strikeouts over 135 1/3 innings pitched in 26 games (25 starts) Gasser came to the organization in the notorious Josh Hader trade--one that is looking like a long-term win for the Brewers, even before Gasser pitches an inning in the majors. Gasser, though, could be either a key rotation piece from the start or a late-season bullpen addition. Much will depend on the health of Aaron Ashby, and on whether Wade Miley returns. Carlos F. Rodriguez (Double-A Biloxi, Triple-A Nashville) 9-6, 2.88 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 87 hits, 57 walks, 158 strikeouts over 128 1/3 innings pitched in 26 games (26 starts) Rodriguez, a two-time Brewer Fanatic Minor League Pitcher of the Year, is knocking on the door of the majors already, and looks like he could perform very well at the highest level. The big question is whether he's a relatively immediate addition to the rotation, or whether the team elects to have him begin the season in the minor leagues for further refinement of his stuff. Brandon Knarr (Double-A Biloxi) 0-2, 8.25 ERA, 2.17 WHIP, 17 hits, 9 walks, 19 strikeouts over 12 innings pitched in 5 games (3 starts) Knarr was an undrafted free agent who broke out in 2022. His 2023 season was a lost one due to injury, and he will be on the comeback trail in 2024. One bright spot: In the little work he got in during 2023, he punched out 14.3 hitters per nine innings. Adam Seminaris (Double-A Biloxi, Rookie ACL Brewers, Triple-A Nashville) 2-6, 5.95 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 76 hits, 25 walks, 64 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched over 16 games (16 starts) Seminaris, also part of the return on the Hunter Renfroe trade, struggled with injuries in 2023. He is currently pitching in the Arizona Fall League, and could earn a spot on the Milwaukee-Nashville shuttle in 2024. He, too, was left exposed to the Rule 5 Draft, with the Brewers gambling that his ugly numbers and spotty health record will scare off teams in search of left-handed relief depth. Jacob Misiorowski (Low-A Carolina, High-A Wisconsin, Double-A Biloxi) 4-2, 3.41 ERA and 1.178 WHIP, 42 hits, 42 walks, 110 strikeouts over 71 1/3 innings pitched in 20 games (20 starts) Misiorowski’s electric stuff propelled him to a rise akin to that of Jackson Chourio in 2022. The two big questions Misiorowski will have to answer are whether he can cut down on walks and if he can stretch out to handle a starter’s workload. But as of right now, he could be a right-handed Josh Hader, which is not a bad thing to have at the MLB level. Tyler Woessner (High-A Wisconsin) 6-7, 4.02 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 115 hits, 54 walks, 112 strikeouts over 121 innings pitched in 24 games (22 starts) Woessner was a solid pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. His greatest strength was keeping the ball in the park (giving up one home run every 17.3 innings) in his first full season as a professional. Woessner, a sixth-round pick in 2022, could take things up a notch in his second campaign. Cameron Wagoner (High-A Wisconsin) 6-11, 5.67 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 112 hits, 38 walks, 87 strikeouts over 100 innings pitched in 24 games (22 starts) Waggoner struggled for most of the 2023 season, after not just a solid 2022 Stateside but a strong showing in Brisbane during the 2022-2023 Australian Baseball League season. This year, over his final six appearances, he dominated, going 4-0 with a 1.47 ERA and allowing only 18 hits and 10 walks in 30 2/3 innings. Will he keep that up in 2024, or was it just a strong finish to a backslide of a season? Bradley Blalock (Low-A Salem, High-A GreenvilleWisconsin) 6-1, 2.82 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 54 hits, 20 walks, 75 strikeouts over 67 inning pitched in 15 games (15 starts) overall 0-0, 5.27 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 13 hits, 7 walks, 17 strikeouts over 13 2/3 innings pitched in 4 games (4 starts) for High-A Wisconsin (MIL) The Brewers flipped infielder Luis Urias for Blalock in August, and got a potential power arm. Blalock posted some solid numbers, despite missing time with injuries, and could be in the mix as a starter for the Shuckers in 2024. Stiven Cruz (High-A Wisconsin) 7-6, 6.90 ERA, 1.73 WHIP, 102 hits, 54 walks, 74 strikeouts over 90 innings pitched in 24 games (19 starts) Cruz struggled through 2023, regressing almost everywhere across the board. He’s still very young (turning 22 on November 14) and could rebound. He posted some better numbers as a reliever this season, but he and Brewers fans will be hoping he has a better 2024. Alexander Cornielle (High-A Wisconsin) 1-3, 4.55 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 77 hits, 34 walks, 92 strikeouts over 89 innings pitched in 20 games (18 starts) Cornielle’s season started with an injury, but he still managed to post some solid overall numbers for the Timber Rattlers. He did make strides in reducing his walk rate and in keeping the ball in the park from 2022, and could emerge as another solid option if he builds on that in 2024. Joseph Hernandez (Rookie ACL Brewers/High-A Wisconsin) 3-3, 4.14 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 40 hits, 35 walks, 41 strikeouts over 54 innings pitched in 15 games (11 starts) Hernandez was acquired in an off-season deal for right-handed reliever Justin Topa. He missed a lot of time with injuries in 2023, but will look to rebound in 2024. Which names here jump out at you? Do any seem like short- or long-term contributors we might have been overlooking? Throw out your hot takes and high hopes for the upper-level starters in the organization heading into the depths of the offseason. View full article

It is expected, and Murphy was perhaps the logical guy to step in if Counsell left. Villanueva staying in the front office is interesting... backup for Weeks? Maybe he's slated to replace Hook if Hook gets hired away at some point? Could be Murphy can season Weeks while Weeks is bench coach.

Cooper, incidentally, is an old Brewers farmhand who was dealt to the Yankees in 2017 for Tyler Webb... a deal I think the Crew would like back. Bringing back Miley would be a smart call, IMO.

Moore is someone I liked a lot - switch-hitter, really blew up big in Australia last winter. Just all-around solid, decent pop, OBP skills, could play short. Mendez, I was ready to move - great OBP skills, excellent physique, but the swing was just messed up. Dunn... not sure what he offers that Tyler Black doesn't do better. Depth is always nice, but the Crew had Patrick Dorrian as a 3B/2B option at AAA if need be.

Third base and shortstop experience in the minors and in college, per Baseball Reference. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=india-000joh

India is a Brewers draft pick who "got away" from the team. I'd give him a look as insurance given Turang's offensive struggles. He could also be a platoon partner with Tyler Black at third and could take some DH at-bats as well. As for who to offer? Either Tyrone Taylor (a solid outfielder similarly to India in service time) or a package of Blake Perkins, Elvis Peguero, and minor-league SS Kevin Ereu (with the latter package as my preference).

I'm assuming the SS picture looks like this: AAA: Zamora/Devanney AA: Brown/Murray A+: Guilarte/O'Rae/Areinamo A: Baez/Pratt Devanney could force his way to the majors in spring training - he's sneaky good, kind of a home-grown Monasterio with power. Zamora, of course, is the 2nd-round pick from 2020. Brown and Murray duke it out for time at short in Biloxi. Guilarte, O'Rae, and Areinamo would probably be competing for the time at short in Appleton. That puts Pratt and Baez at short for the Mudcats, with an outside chance of Josh Adamczewski forcing his way into the mix the way Luke Adams did at the corner infield in 2023. Both Baez and Pratt are very exciting. Pratt could be a devastating bat if he develops power. Baez... his ability to hit for contact went up big time. He had an 11.98 strikeout percentage in the ACL and a 12.16 strikeout percentage overall. That's very good, to put it mildly. Even in his 30-at-bat sample at Carolina, it climbed to 13.3%. He didn't draw walks, but he made contact, and it was effective contact that punished anything in the strike zone. And that low strikeout percentage tells me he ain't chasing or getting fooled. I don't doubt that Pratt makes things interesting and can be exciting in his own right, but I think Baez's just as good, and his bat seems more proven as a professional.

A lot of the SS bats are OBP/speed types. Devanney and Baez are clearly potent bats in terms of being power threats, and Pratt could develop into that (not sweating yet due to the small sample size, but even if he's more a Jeff Cirillo type, that's still pretty darn good at short). Baez would definitely be a bat-first SS, but if he is posting a .900-.950 OPS at the position while not being completely atrocious... why not take the OPS and say thank you to the baseball gods?

He's had injuries in the past, so he may be open to getting that security this offseason with a hometown discount (and the Crew could always go to a $7.5 million/$8 million AAV).

The Brewers seemed to be set in the outfield at the end of the 2023 season, with Sal Frelick, Christian Yelich, Joey Wiemer, Tyrone Taylor, Garrett Mitchell, and Blake Perkins already on the roster. Even the trade of Mark Canha hasn’t lessened their depth, really. So, what does the state of the farm mean for the Brewers? Image courtesy of © Curt Hogg / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK The fact of the matter is that the Brewers could be “set” in the outfield in more ways than one. Let’s look over the players on the farm. Jackson Chourio (Double-A Biloxi/Triple-A Nashville) .283/.338/.467 with 26 doubles, 22 home runs, 91 RBI, 43 walks, 104 strikeouts in 531 at-bats Chourio is considered Milwaukee’s top prospect, if not the top prospect in all of minor-league baseball. In his first full season in the upper minors, he didn’t just hold his own (despite the experimental ball that skewed stats for many Biloxi players), he even improved his OBP skills over the course of the campaign. He doesn’t need to go on the 40-man roster this winter, but he could force his way into the Opening Day lineup–in Milwaukee. Chris Roller (AAA Nashville) .364/.493/.618 with 3 doubles, 3 home runs, 20 RBI, 13 walks, 15 strikeouts in 55 at-bats in Nashville .247/.394/.449 with 16 doubles, 15 home runs, 67 RBI, 68 walks, 109 strikeouts in 312 at-bats between AAA Columbus (CLE) and AAA Nashville (MIL) Roller got a 40-man roster spot after a very hot finish in Nashville, and he developed more of a power stroke in 2023, making his bat a legitimate three-true outcomes threat. Roller also adds speed to his offensive arsenal (19 stolen bases). He's entangled a very crowded outfield mix, but trades and injuries could change that. Noah Campbell (Double-A Biloxi/Triple-A Nashville) .244/.361/.391 with 10 doubles, 8 home runs, 40 RBI, 46 walks, 77 strikeouts in 271 at-bats Just calling Campbell an outfielder really understates things. He’s played all four infield positions, all three outfield positions, pitcher, catcher, and handled DH duties in his professional career. In 2023, Campbell stood out by performing well in Biloxi and earned a promotion to Nashville. Once there, though, he didn’t get the consistent playing time he'd enjoyed in Biloxi, and he struggled a little. Campbell’s future could be like that of Hernan Perez, the best utility player in Brewers history–and he could top Perez with his switch-hitting and ability to catch in a pinch. Isaac Collins (Double-A Biloxi/Triple-A Nashville) .263/.419/.421 with 13 doubles, 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 77 walks, 56 strikeouts in 297 at-bats A waiver-wire claim in the 2022-2023 offseason from the Rockies, Collins was an OBP god in 2023 and also developed some legitimate power and speed with the Shuckers, notching 25 extra-base hits and 29 stolen bases. While he mostly spent time in left field, he saw significant time at second base and limited action in center field, right field, and third base. Hendry Mendez (High-A Wisconsin/Arizona Complex League Brewers) .258/.324/.355 with 11 doubles, 3 home runs, 30 RBI, 23 walks, 40 strikeouts in 248 at-bats Mendez missed a lot of time with injuries in 2023. The good news was that he seemed to increase his power stroke, with 16 extra-base hits in 248 at-bats in 2023 compared to 17 in 377 at-bats in 2022. At the AFL, he didn’t get regular playing time, but three of his eight hits went for extra bases, and he walked six times in 33 at-bats. Luis Lara (Low-A Carolina/High-A Wisconsin) .286/.373/.359 with 13 doubles, 2 home runs, 29 RBI, 44 walks, 61 strikeouts in 343 at-bats Lara didn’t quite rocket up the minor-league ladder like Jackson Chourio did in 2022, but he showed legitimate OBP skills and speed (30 steals and three triples) in 2023, and made his way to Appleton. Lara has a cannon for an arm, and at 18, could develop a little more power. But the speed/OBP/hit-for-contact combo could make him a leadoff threat. Jace Avina (Low-A Carolina) .233/.373/.442 with 22 doubles, 14 home runs, 50 RBI, 56 walks, 118 strikeouts in 326 at-bats Throughout his professional career, Avina has been a three-true-outcomes bat, offering power (29 homers over two seasons) and posting a career .381 OBP, which makes the 211 strikeouts in 547 at-bats tolerable. Avina also provides excellent defense, notching 16 outfield assists over two seasons. He provides some speed (14 steals and five triples in his career). Hedbert Perez (Low-A Carolina) .216/.288/.345 with 10 doubles, 6 home runs, 29 RBI, 22 walks, 68 strikeouts in 232 at-bats Perez missed time with an injury in 2023, but did improve his walk rate from 2022. He was highly-touted at one point, but has been bypassed by Chourio and Lara, among others. He’s still 21, and could build on his improvement in 2023, but 2024 is looking like a make-or-break season for him. Yophery Rodriguez (Dominican Summer League Brewers 1) .253/.393/.449 with 13 doubles, 6 home runs, 36 RBI, 41 walks, 40 strikeouts in 178 at-bats Rodriguez looks like a left-handed Chourio, with better OBP skills. Obviously, that's an overly exuberant reading, but he's done that caliber of work in his very young career. He broke out in the DSL in 2023, leading the DSL Brewers 1 squad in hits, runs, doubles, homers, RBI, and walks, while sharing the team lead in stolen bases and finishing third in batting average among players with more than 100 at-bats. He could have a repeat of Choruio’s 2022 season in 2024. Brian Sanchez (DSL Brewers 1) .297/.414/.446 with 7 doubles, 19 RBI, 20 walks, 23 strikeouts in 101 at-bats Sanchez led the DSL Brewers 1 squad in batting average, OBP, and OPS while finishing a close second to Rodriguez in slugging percentage. While Rodriguez offers an intriguing package of power, speed and OBP skills, Sanchez offers more of a hit-for-contact, speed, and OBP profile. At 6’3” and 170 pounds, he could add some sneaky power to the mix. Which of these outfield prospects could give the Brewers an even more complicated situation? Are there any you want to learn more about? View full article

If anything, I pick up the deal, and think about an extension - maybe in the neighborhood of 3/$19.5 or 4/$26. As a back-end starter, we can do much worse. If Burnes/Woodruff aren't returning... solid starters will have to do.

Shortstop is arguably the deepest position in the Brewers farm system, and it isn’t just because the Brewers have had highly-touted draft picks at the position. Just how deep are the Brewers at short? Image courtesy of © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Every one of the Brewers affiliates boasts at least one shortstop prospect who could be a solid major-league player, at what is arguably the most important position on the infield. Let’s take a look at who they have. Cam Devanney (AAA Nashville) .271/.362/.461 with 27 doubles, 11 home runs, 47 RBI, 46 walks, 71 strikeouts in 336 at-bats As a 15th-round draft pick, Devanney has proven to be a steal so far. He broke out in 2022 after a very rough 2021, following an aggressive promotion to Biloxi. He’s flashed a superb bat, and he has not just held down shortstop, but also saw action at third base, second base, first base, and left field during his professional career. Had it not been for early-season injuries, he might have gotten the call-up after Willy Adames had that scary incident in May. Freddy Zamora (AA Biloxi) .255/.352/.361 with 17 doubles, 7 home runs, 51 RBI, 53 walks, 89 strikeouts in 377 at-bats Zamora was selected in the second round of the abbreviated 2020 June draft, and provided a lot of hope in 2021. His injury-riddled 2022 gave Devanney the chance to stage a comeback. In 2023, he initially struggled due to the experimental ball in AA, but emerged with a very solid offensive season. In addition to some pop in his bat, he stole 17 bases. He and Devanney will likely compete for the shortstop job in Nashville, and with it, a shot at making it to Milwaukee. Ethan Murray (AA Biloxi) .256/.359/.370 with 16 doubles, 6 home runs, 48 RBI, 53 walks, 93 strikeouts in 351 at-bats Murray found himself playing a lot at both shortstop and second base, spending a bit more time at the former position. For a player whose big calling card has been defense, Murray actually had a bit of an offensive breakout in Biloxi, posting his highest OPS at the professional level and improving his walk rate over 2022. Murray’s development marks a very nice problem for Nashville to have in 2024. Eric Brown Jr. (A+ Wisconsin/R ACL Brewers/AA Biloxi) .255/.358/.354 with eight doubles, 6 home runs, 27 RBI, 36 walks, 54 strikeouts in 263 at-bats Brown had trouble staying healthy in 2023, but when he's on the field, he’s generally performed well. Brown’s OBP skills and speed (39 steals in 72 games) provide an intriguing top-of-the-order option. He’s also performed well in the Arizona Fall League (.801 OPS as of November 3). Daniel Guilarte (A Carolina/R ACL Brewers) .284/.387/.325 with 6 doubles, 33 RBI, 36 walks, 68 strikeouts in 266 at-bats Guilarte’s could be called a two-true-outcome profile: he draws a lot of walks and he strikes out a lot. He also has a lot of speed, stealing 31 bases in 63 games. Injuries somewhat derailed Guilarte’s 2023 season, but his game looks to be very intriguing. Guilarte just turned 20, so he could fill out and add some pop to go with his OBP/speed/defense package. Juan Baez (R ACL Brewers/A Carolina) .351/.377/.527 with 19 doubles, 4 home runs, 48 RBI, 10 walks, 27 strikeouts in 222 at-bats Arguably, Baez has the most dynamic bat of the Brewers’ shortstop prospects. His .557 slugging percentage was the second-highest among all players with 10 or more games with the Maryvale squad (only the traded Jhonny Severino’s was higher) and he tied with Severino and Mike Boeve for the team lead in homers. He didn’t just flash power, he also had speed (four triples and 19 steals between both stops). Baez’s big question mark was defense, with only an .833 fielding percentage at short – but that .904 OPS overall may be worth keeping him at short for the long term despite the defensive struggles. Players who post a .900 OPS are rare. Shortstops that do so are even harder to find. Cooper Pratt (R ACL Brewers) .356/.426/.444 with 2 doubles, 8 RBI, 5 walks, 11 strikeouts in 45 at-bats Pratt was a surprise pick in the sixth round, and it was an even bigger surprise when the Crew paid $1.35 million to get him to pass on college ball. But so far, initial returns make this decision look good. Pratt could stick at shortstop, making no errors in nine games at the position. The scary part is what sort of power could develop from his 6’4”, 195-pound frame. Filippo Di Turi (FRk DSL Brewers 2) .282/.414/.354 with 9 doubles, 27 RBI, 38 walks, 32 strikeouts in 181 at-bats Di Turi’s plate discipline was perhaps his biggest calling card--his walks exceeded his strikeouts--and he also flashed an ability to make contact, with his .282 average. Di Turi doesn’t turn 18 until November 9, and so he is likely to fill out some and could add some power. Combined with his current plate discipline, it could make this switch-hitter some bad news for opposing pitchers. What do you think about the collection of shortstops Milwaukee has? Who do you think will rocket up the minor-league ladder? Who will take Willy Adames’s place? Let us know what you think! View full article

Here's a thought: Maybe the Crew get Miley and Houser back on some multi-year deals - say paying $6.5 to $7.5 million a year for 2-3 years, plus options. The Crew gets reliable starters for the back end, and if the farmhands (Rodriguez/Misiorowski/etc.) force the issue, affordable starters can fetch a nice return.

I'm not so worried about Baez's low walk rate in 2023, for two reasons: First, his ACL batting average was .370. Second, the strikeout rate was also low (23 in 192 ABs at Maryvale, 27 in 222 overall). So a strikeout rate of under 12%... that's a guy who can make contact, He can make hard contact, as the SLG shows. The adjustment to full-season ball will be a big one for him... but I'm not super worried. I think he's got a dynamic bat, and the tools are there for him to rocket up the minor-league ladder like Chourio did. Yes, I'd like to see more walks, but those could very well come, see Chourio and Quero this year. I will likely have Baez very high on my lists. I think he could be the Crew's Opening Day 2026 shortstop.

At this point, if I'm Matt Arnold, I'd look to flip Perkins for what I can get (maybe a lottery ticket or two). He's easily the guy who can fetch a decent return, and might even draw an overpay of sorts. Chourio-Mitchell-Wiemer as the starting OF Frelick as DH Yelich at 1B Taylor as 4th OF Roller and Noah Campbell for AAA depth.

More of a June 1 roster vs. Opening Day. Short version - Rowdy is dealt ala Canha for some prospect (maybe going for an Adam Lind-type return). Peguero is also dealt, maybe for a lottery ticket prospect as well. Perkins also goes on the move for a return. Bring back Caratini as the Burnes whisperer, with half an eye towards Jeferson Quero and/or Wes Clarke. Riding with rookies - Tyler Black's the heasy choice for Opening Day 3B. Chourio will likely be up at some point, and I'd say there's a 30% chance he is also on the Opening Day roster. Houser extended for 3 years, $18 million, Adames extended for five years, $75 million, with a team option for $20 million vs. a $5 million buyout. Burnes gets kept, and the Crew will make the QO. Bringing back Suter as a free agent, and having Ethan Small up from the get go to join Bryse Wilson as a long-relief corps, especially if Miley doesn't return (he declined the option). The Houser/Gasser/Rea trio will need to be bridged, and it may take long relief to do that. At some point, I envision flipping one or two of Milner/Payamps/Small/B.Wilson to bring up Misiorowski/Carlos F. Rodriguez to bolster the bullpen the way Woodruff and Burnes did in 2018. C: William Contreras ($0.77M) 1B: Christian Yelich ($26.0M) 2B: Brice Turang ($0.77M) 3B: Tyler Black ($0.77M) SS: Willy Adames ($15.0M) LF: Jackson Chourio ($0.77M) CF: Garrett Mitchell ($0.77M) RF: Joey Wiemer ($0.77M) DH: Sal Frelick ($0.77M) Bench OF: Tyrone Taylor ($1.75M) Utility: Abraham Toro ($1.30M) Utility: Andruw Monasterio ($0.77M) Backup C: Victor Caratini ($3.5M) SP1: Corbin Burnes ($15.10M) SP2: Freddy Peralta ($5.50M) SP3: Adrian Houser ($6.0M) SP4: Robert Gasser ($0.77M) SP5: Colin Rea ($3.50M) CL: Devin Williams ($6.50M) RP: Abner Uribe ($0.77M) RP: Hoby Milner ($1.70M) RP: Bryse Wilson ($1.30M) RP: Joel Payamps ($1.70M) RP: Trevor Megill ($0.77M) RP: Brent Suter ($2.5M) RP: Ethan Small ($0.77M) Payroll is 28.15% under budget

Coop was very good in his day. Me? I think both Richie Sexson and Prince Fielder eclipsed him during their tenures - Sexson twice tied the franchise home run record in his three full seasons with the Crew, and Prince obliterated a lot of the single-season hitting records for the team, so Coop's third on my all-time list. Coop's big advantage will be his longevity with the Brewers, though, in this day and age.

The similarity to Braun is striking - Baez has a dynamic bat at a position the Brewers may have a need for a dynamic bat, but like Braun, his defense is a little shaky. Do you keep them at that position where the bat could stand out (third base for Braun, shortstop for Baez) or do you move them and risk leaving a hole in the lineup (recall the merry-go-round at third since 2007)? My instinct says keep Baez at short - ride a .900 OPS there. Shortstops who post that are very rare, and it shouldn't be passed up. Not that the Crew doesn't have other good shortstop prospects (Devanney, Zamora, Murray, etc.), but Baez's bat is something else, particularly for that position.

I'd go six years, $45 million. Counsell's a good manager, he's handled the clubhouse well as the team has evolved from the slugging dynamos of 2017-2019to the pitching-heavy teams from 2020-2023. He's worked well with rookies and veterans. The Crew may be well-served to not just pay Counsell, but to also open the checkbook even more for the minor-league system, including paying the players.

I wonder if they will be aggressive with Adamczewski, kinda like they were with Luke Adams this year.

In this case, some of it is due to space. I'm also trying to keep the players grouped by where they played the most in 2023, even if they had significant time elsewhere on the diamond. Wes Clarke was a special case, given that first base was his primary position, but there was also a LOT of time spent at catcher and catcher was somewhat less crowded. Boeve, for instance, was covered at second base. Pratt and Baez will be covered at short, where they spent most of their time. Honestly, I think the Crew ought to keep Baz at short - he's got an extremely dynamic bat, and it would be a shame to blow that opportunity at shortstop the way they did with third base in 2008.