As usually happens in sports, as romantic as we all want to get about it, both sides did what was best for them. Woody probably took a bit of a haircut to stay in the home organization while he has surgery and rehab, and the Brewers made a dice roll on getting him back in the second half of 2025, perhaps knowing that pitching depth was going to be a little different with Burnes gone, and a QO always a nice bonus when Woodruff finally moved on to to richer pastures.
I love Woody, he’s been a fan favorite for a reason, and it really stinks not being able to play this game like a top of market team and keep all your arms regardless of health risks, but this is just how we have to play the game.
Having said that, no one should think any of the above applies to Craig “I know you because I am you” Counsell. Forget that guy. But Woody is just fine.