Early 2025 Roster Look

[ReasonablySober]

It's fun to be in the Brewers position, where they're the clear class of the division and are largely returning the same in 2025. Here's a look ahead

Starting pitchers:
Freddy Peralta (2 Club options remain)
Aaron Civale (Arb 3)
Colin Rea (Club)
Tobias Myers (pre-Arb)

Injured but available at some point: Robert Gasser, Brandon Woodruff
Option decision pending: Wade Miley ($12 million mutual)
Former starters: Aaron Ashby, DL Hall, Jacob Misiorowski
Minor league options: Carlos Rodriguez
Minor league options that need 40 man decisions this winter: Chad Patrick, Shane Smith, Logan Henderson

Options a plenty here. Peralta, Civale, Rea, and Myers seem like locks. After that they could look a bunch of players in the organization, including Wade Miley if both sides want to stay together. I think $12 million is too rich for such an injury risk, but Big hope would be Woody and Gasser to come back early in the season.

Relief pitchers:
Devin Williams (Arb 3)
Hoby Milner (Arb 3)
Joel Payamps (Arb 2)
Trevor McGill (Arb 1)
Jared Koenig (pre-Arb)
Aaron Ashby
DL Hall (pre-Arb)
Enoli Paredes (pre-Arb)
Bryse Wilson (Arb 2)
Nick Mears (Arb 1)
J.B. Bukauskas (pre-Arb)
Elvis Peguero (pre-Arb)
Bryan Hudson (pre-Arb)
Abner Uribe (pre-Arb)
Rob Zastryzny (pre-Arb)

Minor league options: Jacob Misiorowski, Craig Yoho
Minor league options that need 40 man decisions this winter: Russell Smith

Laugh. Out. Loud. Just absurdly loaded.

The Brewers should see what they can get for Devin. If there's a market for Hoby then send him out too.

DH:
Christian Yelich
Gary Sanchez (mutual option)

Sanchez seems unlikely to be back after posting a 97 OPS+ this season. Yelich is the obvious choice here.

Catchers:
William Contreras (Arb 1)
Eric Haase (Arb 2)
Gary Sanchez (mutual option)

Minor league options: Jeferson Quero

I could see them bringing Haase back as insurance until Quero is ready to go. Even then Haase might be a solid backup option in the event Quero takes over the roll of starting catcher with Contreras moving to DH.

First Base:
Rhys Hoskins (player option)
Jake Bauers (Arb 2)

Minor league options: Tyler Black, Mike Boeve
Minor league options that need 40 man decisions this winter: Wes Clarke, Ernesto Martinez

I'll be surprised if Hoskins declines his option. Bauers is a non-tender candidate they should look to upgrade. Black...who knows. I think Wes Clarke is an interesting option to take Sanchez's spot. He would have to be added to the 40 Man but he could take over as the 3rd DH/1B/C.

I don't know what the plan is for Ernesto Martinez is, but I'd like to bring him back. He was really good in the 2nd half of the season.

2B/3B/SS
Brice Turang (pre-Arb)
Joey Ortiz (pre-Arb)
Andruw Monasterio (pre-Arb)

Minor league options Oliver Dunn (pre-Arb), Isaac Collins (pre-Arb), Owen Miller (pre-Arb), Vinny Capra (pre-Arb), Mike Boeve

Outside of Turang and Ortiz, woof. Think this is where we hit up FA for a one or two year stopgap. Boeve is a dark horse candidate. He can play 3rd, 2nd, and 1B and has hit wherever he's played. It's a shame that Wilkin fell so flat on his face this season. With a boatload of guys in the org right behind him he needs to rebound in a huge way next season.

LF/RF/CF
Chourio
Mitchell (pre-Arb)
Frelick (pre-Arb)
Perkins (pre-Arb)

Minor league options Isaac Collins (pre-Arb), Brewer Hicklan (pre-Arb), Carlos D. Rodriguez

The major league OF is set. I might sneakily look to upgrade Frelick, but I think the Brewers roll with the four man group they have. Not a ton of help available in the upper levels of the minors, but they've got options if guys go on the IL, not to mention Yelich moving back to the OF if needed.

Overall

It's pretty wild how well the Brewers are set up going into next season. Rotation and bullpen are set. They could (and should) trade Devin and not miss a beat. They'll need to sign a starting infielder. There isn't really an internal option at whatever position Turang and Ortiz don't play. That said, there is some bottom of the roster depth. Outfield is set, which is a good thing because there aren't any legit options in Nashville or even Biloxi.

[MickeyDavis]

Tons of pitching but we used 36(!) pitchers this season so you can never have too many.

I agree that infield needs help. 3B or SS, depending on where they want to play Ortiz and who is available. If they plan to keep payroll flat they'll have some money to spend by dumping Miley, trading Devin and letting Adames go.

[Ryan5UW]

I know it won't happen, but I wish Mark would blow the dust off his checkbook and pay Adames. Trade him after a few years if you need to, but he brings so many things to the table for this team. I fully understand why they don't want to be stuck with whatever contract he'll get for the full length of it, but it just sucks seeing the top players siphoned off every year. But he's so damn cheap he needs to steal sand, so no chance Willy gets paid here.

[MickeyDavis]

Small market Packers can tag and keep stars if they wish. Salary cap and CBA. Small market Bucks can pay more to their stars than any other team. Salary cap and CBA. MLBPA and large markets say pound sand. I've said many times that spending money doesn't guarantee titles but it really sucks losing such a good and popular player.

[Ron Swanson]

My guess would be a Contreras extension takes priority this offseason. It is what it is with Willy. Have no issues with him pulling an Anthony Rendon in a contract year chasing the bag after helping us win a World Series.

[Eeavers57]

Spoiler:

It's fun to be in the Brewers position, where they're the clear class of the division and are largely returning the same in 2025. Here's a look ahead

Starting pitchers:
Freddy Peralta (2 Club options remain)
Aaron Civale (Arb 3)
Colin Rea (Club)
Tobias Myers (pre-Arb)

Injured but available at some point: Robert Gasser, Brandon Woodruff
Option decision pending: Wade Miley ($12 million mutual)
Former starters: Aaron Ashby, DL Hall, Jacob Misiorowski
Minor league options: Carlos Rodriguez
Minor league options that need 40 man decisions this winter: Chad Patrick, Shane Smith, Logan Henderson

Options a plenty here. Peralta, Civale, Rea, and Myers seem like locks. After that they could look a bunch of players in the organization, including Wade Miley if both sides want to stay together. I think $12 million is too rich for such an injury risk, but Big hope would be Woody and Gasser to come back early in the season.

Relief pitchers:
Devin Williams (Arb 3)
Hoby Milner (Arb 3)
Joel Payamps (Arb 2)
Trevor McGill (Arb 1)
Jared Koenig (pre-Arb)
Aaron Ashby
DL Hall (pre-Arb)
Enoli Paredes (pre-Arb)
Bryse Wilson (Arb 2)
Nick Mears (Arb 1)
J.B. Bukauskas (pre-Arb)
Elvis Peguero (pre-Arb)
Bryan Hudson (pre-Arb)
Abner Uribe (pre-Arb)
Rob Zastryzny (pre-Arb)

Minor league options: Jacob Misiorowski, Craig Yoho
Minor league options that need 40 man decisions this winter: Russell Smith

Laugh. Out. Loud. Just absurdly loaded.

The Brewers should see what they can get for Devin. If there's a market for Hoby then send him out too.

DH:
Christian Yelich
Gary Sanchez (mutual option)

Sanchez seems unlikely to be back after posting a 97 OPS+ this season. Yelich is the obvious choice here.

Catchers:
William Contreras (Arb 1)
Eric Haase (Arb 2)
Gary Sanchez (mutual option)

Minor league options: Jeferson Quero

I could see them bringing Haase back as insurance until Quero is ready to go. Even then Haase might be a solid backup option in the event Quero takes over the roll of starting catcher with Contreras moving to DH.

First Base:
Rhys Hoskins (player option)
Jake Bauers (Arb 2)

Minor league options: Tyler Black, Mike Boeve
Minor league options that need 40 man decisions this winter: Wes Clarke, Ernesto Martinez

I'll be surprised if Hoskins declines his option. Bauers is a non-tender candidate they should look to upgrade. Black...who knows. I think Wes Clarke is an interesting option to take Sanchez's spot. He would have to be added to the 40 Man but he could take over as the 3rd DH/1B/C.

I don't know what the plan is for Ernesto Martinez is, but I'd like to bring him back. He was really good in the 2nd half of the season.

2B/3B/SS
Brice Turang (pre-Arb)
Joey Ortiz (pre-Arb)
Andruw Monasterio (pre-Arb)

Minor league options Oliver Dunn (pre-Arb), Isaac Collins (pre-Arb), Owen Miller (pre-Arb), Vinny Capra (pre-Arb), Mike Boeve

Outside of Turang and Ortiz, woof. Think this is where we hit up FA for a one or two year stopgap. Boeve is a dark horse candidate. He can play 3rd, 2nd, and 1B and has hit wherever he's played. It's a shame that Wilkin fell so flat on his face this season. With a boatload of guys in the org right behind him he needs to rebound in a huge way next season.

LF/RF/CF
Chourio
Mitchell (pre-Arb)
Frelick (pre-Arb)
Perkins (pre-Arb)

Minor league options Isaac Collins (pre-Arb), Brewer Hicklan (pre-Arb), Carlos D. Rodriguez

The major league OF is set. I might sneakily look to upgrade Frelick, but I think the Brewers roll with the four man group they have. Not a ton of help available in the upper levels of the minors, but they've got options if guys go on the IL, not to mention Yelich moving back to the OF if needed.

Overall

It's pretty wild how well the Brewers are set up going into next season. Rotation and bullpen are set. They could (and should) trade Devin and not miss a beat. They'll need to sign a starting infielder. There isn't really an internal option at whatever position Turang and Ortiz don't play. That said, there is some bottom of the roster depth. Outfield is set, which is a good thing because there aren't any legit options in Nashville or even Biloxi.

Montas has a 20 mil mutual option as well. 99.9% decline there. Also, looks like Devin has a 10.5 mil club option, not arb. Still would think trading him to get a Hader-esque haul is the move though.

[Kerb Hohl]

Spoiler:

It's fun to be in the Brewers position, where they're the clear class of the division and are largely returning the same in 2025. Here's a look ahead

Starting pitchers:
Freddy Peralta (2 Club options remain)
Aaron Civale (Arb 3)
Colin Rea (Club)
Tobias Myers (pre-Arb)

Injured but available at some point: Robert Gasser, Brandon Woodruff
Option decision pending: Wade Miley ($12 million mutual)
Former starters: Aaron Ashby, DL Hall, Jacob Misiorowski
Minor league options: Carlos Rodriguez
Minor league options that need 40 man decisions this winter: Chad Patrick, Shane Smith, Logan Henderson

Options a plenty here. Peralta, Civale, Rea, and Myers seem like locks. After that they could look a bunch of players in the organization, including Wade Miley if both sides want to stay together. I think $12 million is too rich for such an injury risk, but Big hope would be Woody and Gasser to come back early in the season.

Relief pitchers:
Devin Williams (Arb 3)
Hoby Milner (Arb 3)
Joel Payamps (Arb 2)
Trevor McGill (Arb 1)
Jared Koenig (pre-Arb)
Aaron Ashby
DL Hall (pre-Arb)
Enoli Paredes (pre-Arb)
Bryse Wilson (Arb 2)
Nick Mears (Arb 1)
J.B. Bukauskas (pre-Arb)
Elvis Peguero (pre-Arb)
Bryan Hudson (pre-Arb)
Abner Uribe (pre-Arb)
Rob Zastryzny (pre-Arb)

Minor league options: Jacob Misiorowski, Craig Yoho
Minor league options that need 40 man decisions this winter: Russell Smith

Laugh. Out. Loud. Just absurdly loaded.

The Brewers should see what they can get for Devin. If there's a market for Hoby then send him out too.

DH:
Christian Yelich
Gary Sanchez (mutual option)

Sanchez seems unlikely to be back after posting a 97 OPS+ this season. Yelich is the obvious choice here.

Catchers:
William Contreras (Arb 1)
Eric Haase (Arb 2)
Gary Sanchez (mutual option)

Minor league options: Jeferson Quero

I could see them bringing Haase back as insurance until Quero is ready to go. Even then Haase might be a solid backup option in the event Quero takes over the roll of starting catcher with Contreras moving to DH.

First Base:
Rhys Hoskins (player option)
Jake Bauers (Arb 2)

Minor league options: Tyler Black, Mike Boeve
Minor league options that need 40 man decisions this winter: Wes Clarke, Ernesto Martinez

I'll be surprised if Hoskins declines his option. Bauers is a non-tender candidate they should look to upgrade. Black...who knows. I think Wes Clarke is an interesting option to take Sanchez's spot. He would have to be added to the 40 Man but he could take over as the 3rd DH/1B/C.

I don't know what the plan is for Ernesto Martinez is, but I'd like to bring him back. He was really good in the 2nd half of the season.

2B/3B/SS
Brice Turang (pre-Arb)
Joey Ortiz (pre-Arb)
Andruw Monasterio (pre-Arb)

Minor league options Oliver Dunn (pre-Arb), Isaac Collins (pre-Arb), Owen Miller (pre-Arb), Vinny Capra (pre-Arb), Mike Boeve

Outside of Turang and Ortiz, woof. Think this is where we hit up FA for a one or two year stopgap. Boeve is a dark horse candidate. He can play 3rd, 2nd, and 1B and has hit wherever he's played. It's a shame that Wilkin fell so flat on his face this season. With a boatload of guys in the org right behind him he needs to rebound in a huge way next season.

LF/RF/CF
Chourio
Mitchell (pre-Arb)
Frelick (pre-Arb)
Perkins (pre-Arb)

Minor league options Isaac Collins (pre-Arb), Brewer Hicklan (pre-Arb), Carlos D. Rodriguez

The major league OF is set. I might sneakily look to upgrade Frelick, but I think the Brewers roll with the four man group they have. Not a ton of help available in the upper levels of the minors, but they've got options if guys go on the IL, not to mention Yelich moving back to the OF if needed.

Overall

It's pretty wild how well the Brewers are set up going into next season. Rotation and bullpen are set. They could (and should) trade Devin and not miss a beat. They'll need to sign a starting infielder. There isn't really an internal option at whatever position Turang and Ortiz don't play. That said, there is some bottom of the roster depth. Outfield is set, which is a good thing because there aren't any legit options in Nashville or even Biloxi.

Montas has a 20 mil mutual option as well. 99.9% decline there. Also, looks like Devin has a 10.5 mil club option, not arb. Still would think trading him to get a Hader-esque haul is the move though.

Dang...when I was looking at the Cot's spreadsheet, I was wrong on this in the other thread. I thought his option was something like $3 million, which would be a slam dunk. They list it weird and only have the prorated amount for the Brewers this year as well.

Yeah, I'm not sure if $20 million is worth it, but for what they've made him into, I guess one could argue for it. But they can just find somebody else that they can craft into this caliber of pitcher for $7 or $8 million + pay the buyout, I guess.

[Kerb Hohl]

I know it won't happen, but I wish Mark would blow the dust off his checkbook and pay Adames. Trade him after a few years if you need to, but he brings so many things to the table for this team. I fully understand why they don't want to be stuck with whatever contract he'll get for the full length of it, but it just sucks seeing the top players siphoned off every year. But he's so damn cheap he needs to steal sand, so no chance Willy gets paid here.

Look...I'm for this for Adames. A certain number of vets are worth it.

However, I am not protective of billionaire Attanasio in this sense, but I find this whole "cheap" thing odd. Sure, we aren't the Dodgers, which would rule - but he runs the franchise extremely well for its market and a lot of times the frugality is a feature, not a bug.

My favorite example is when I was really hoping Cubs fans complaining about their "cheap" ownership would get their wish. They wanted their owners to pony up nearly a billion dollars to keep Baez, Rizzo, Bryant, and Schwarber through their 30s. I was really hoping they would do it for the fans because it would've been incredibly stupid for the success of their team. How's that working out now?

Can you name a player that the Brewers traded or let walk away because they couldn't afford that we are disappointed about?

Sure, maybe way back you have Prince and CC - both in a stratosphere that most would agree are just unpayable. Both had great careers for a while but their obesity caught up to them later.

Beyond that...who is there? Lucroy? Moustakas? Grandal? Those are the somewhat recent names that fans wanted to sign to the 4-5 year contracts they got. Those guys were all basically DFA'ed within 2 years of fans wanting that. They were washed.

Burnes and Hader being traded with 1-1.5 years left? Both - maybe...but we easily won those trades and the cost savings on the studs that were brought back in return (I'm including Contreras in the Hader one) allowed the Brewers to spend on other guys.

Fans were mad last year that "cheap" Attanasio didn't want to pay a historic fee for Counsell. How's that working out?

[MickeyDavis]

Contreras has 3 years left. Tacking on another 2-3 years would look good to the fans with Adames leaving. It depends on if they think Quero is a sure thing.

[MVP2110]

I'd be interested in a Contreras extension. He's under team control through his age 29 season, I wouldn't want go extend him into his mid 30s but if he was open to a 3 deal extension through his age 32 season I think that's something the Brewers could easily handle and lock in a solid bat for awhile. But if they are high on Quero or if Contreras isn't interested in that type of deal and wants something longer than you can do the Brewer thing of holding him for a year or two and trading him away to recoup some value. Neither is really a bad option

I straight up do not want to pay Adames this offseason. He's been outstanding with the bat this year and he's a great clubhouse presence but his defense has fallen off quite a bit this year which if often times a sign of a player showing age and I'm not confident he'll repeat this performance with the bat again. Let him go to the Dodgers for a huge sum of $ and use the savings to find a good infielder on a shorter deal

[jute2003]

I think letting Adames go is a certainty and the right move considering what he is very likely to get.

they gotta find some power for the lineup with him gone though. I dont mean the batting .195 all or nothing type either. 3rd base is the obvious need.

It sure would be nice to have a more proven and reliable workhorse #2/#3 type starting pitcher as well.

They will have money to spend and the team is obviously competitive and well positioned. If management doesn't try to throw some money around this winter, I will be annoyed.

[ReasonablySober]

Contreras isn't going to accept less than what Will Smith got (10 years, $140 million, $50 million deferred). I know on a per year basis that isn't a terrible back breaker, but I still wouldn't do that for a catcher.

[MVP2110]

Contreras isn't going to accept less than what Will Smith got (10 years, $140 million, $50 million deferred). I know on a per year basis that isn't a terrible back breaker, but I still wouldn't do that for a catcher.

I tend to agree that the liklihood of Contreras agreeing to a short extension is low and I have no interest in extending him into his mid to upper 30s. The Brewers should be very particular about who they are giving long term extensions too and neither Contreras or Adames fall into that bucket. Keep Contreras for 2 more years and then trade him away and let Quero take over full time.

[ReasonablySober]

My hope is MA continues to be proactive on signing core young guys to extensions that buy out their first few free agent years. Basically build how the Braves did. On the current roster the only guy I'd really be kicking the tires on is Mitchell. He's nearly a 4 win player right now playing as part of a platoon. He's really good and still has a lot of room to improve.

Ortiz and Turang would be next. But in the next few years we're gonna see some combination of Pratt, Wilken, Boeve, Adams, Made, Anderson, Adamczewski, and Areianmo. I wouldn't sign Ortiz and Turang unless they come in at team friendly tradeable numbers.

[MickeyDavis]

It's definitely a balancing act. Trying to extend young guys on the MLB roster vs. guessing which one of our prospects will pan out. Some will, some won't. But we sure have a slew of them. With more on the way if Devin is traded (or maybe a ready made infielder).

[WeekapaugGroove]

Need to add a power bat with Adames leaving. Small ball is cool but you need some of those 3 run HRs too.

Unless they win the WS I'd trade Devin. I don't think budget teams should ever pay a premium reliever.

As much as I like Contreras, C is another spot id be pretty leery about paying a vet a big contract. I know some C play forever but it's a tough position physically.

Sent from my SM-F731U using RealGM mobile app

[jimmybones]

Wow, I nearly forgot about Woodruff and Gasser

Our bullpen is nuts and agree that it makes Devin a likely trade candidate, both moving from a position of depth and strength and maximizing the asset.

Outfield is set, would consider looking at upgrades for a consistent and reliable bat but the playing three center fielders that can fly on the bases thing is pretty fun.

Pretty clearly an infielder is number one priority. It is nice that there is versatility in that they can look at 3B and SS and bring in the best bat and slot in the other two around that. Am I wrong in thinking that Black can play 3B? If he takes a step forward and can be the lefty option at 1B/3B that would be nice.

Yeli health will also be important, obviously

Pretty comfortable rolling with Rhys another year in hopes he has a more consistent year while also having a lefty option as insurance (Black or FA)

[LUKE23]

To me, the starting pitching and all the variables there are what swing it from a good team to a legit WS contender. I mean you have Hall, Gasser, Woodruff, and Ashby as all very talented arms but injury/production question marks. There is a huge range of outcomes there.

Bullpen is disgusting and I expect Miso to be there most of next season. I would trade Devin if the return is good, I'm also for keeping him and having the pest pen in baseball.

I wouldn't pay what it takes to keep Adames. Hopefully Yeli comes back refreshed and healthy after the surgery, Hoskins is back, Black is up and hitting well, etc. I think Ortiz slides to SS if they lose Adames, so they will need a starting caliber 3B.

[Thunder Muscle]

Any chance Brock Wilken is a factor at 3B next year? I haven’t heard much on him this year.

[landoc88]

Any chance Brock Wilken is a factor at 3B next year? I haven’t heard much on him this year.

Probably a year away yet. I kinda want the Brewer's to trade for Brett Baty from the Mets. With Adames most certainly gone and Ortiz moves to SS. I think Baty fits in perfectly with the young core. I'm just personally a big fan of him thats all.