In the case of rumors across the Brewers, one constant rumor is all the time about who they’ll commerce subsequent. It’s been an everyday a part of following the group. Within the final couple years, they’ve traded away Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes, and Devin Williams. There was additionally loads of hypothesis about buying and selling Willy Adames, however the Brewers determined to not commerce him and let him hit free company.
Now that the earlier massive commerce names are gone, it’s solely a matter of time earlier than another person begins popping up in commerce rumors. Let’s check out who may very well be the subsequent massive commerce possibility. (Observe that none of those gamers at present have any rumors of a commerce round them, simply that they may very well be a future commerce candidate.)
Freddy Peralta
Following the 2024 season, Peralta reached his six years of MLB service time however remains to be beneath contract by the Brewers for as much as two extra years. The Brewers exercised an $8 million possibility for the 2025 season, and he has one other $8 million possibility for 2026. He is because of be a free agent throughout the 2026-27 offseason.
Whereas Peralta has not been the ace we’ve hoped for, he’s nonetheless been a stable staring pitcher. Over the previous 4 seasons he has an fWAR of 11.3, with a peak of 4.0 in 2021. His worth took somewhat hit final season as he solely posted a 2.3 fWAR. His ERA decreased barely (3.68) however his FIP additionally rose a tick (4.16). He’s nonetheless posting a strikeout charge over 10 per 9 innings. One main concern is his house run charge, as he allowed 1.35 HR/9 final season and 1.41 the season earlier than.
If he’s secure once more in 2025, that doubtless gained’t be sufficient to push him into the commerce candidate vary. At that stage, he’s doubtless not going to get rather more of a return. Now we have a good level of reference with the acquisition of Nestor Cortes, who had a greater fWAR and a similiar potential contract for 2025 (Cortes is projected to make $7.7 million). He would wish to return to a stage much like 2021 to push him into the commerce candidate vary.
Joel Payamps
Relievers are usually in demand, however the Brewers have a set of relievers which are beneath management for some time. The reliever that’s closest to free company as of at this time is Joel Payamps. He’s getting into his second arbitration season, projected to earn $2.8 million in 2025.
Payamps has been a stable a part of the Brewers’ bullpen within the final couple seasons. He’s pitched in 69 and 68 video games in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He helped function the group nearer final season within the absence of Devin Williams, recording six saves. He had 3.05 ERA and a stable 3.73 FIP in 2024 as effectively. Although Trevor Megill is the highest candidate for the nearer position in 2025, Payamps will likely be within the dialog as a high-leverage reliever who ought to get some saves when wanted.
It’s robust to see the Brewers holding on to a reliever and allow them to go into free company. Holding on to Payamps via 2025 appears doubtless, however as soon as his wage will get a bump in his remaining arbitration season, there will likely be extra incentive to commerce him and get one thing again.
William Contreras
Wanting via the Brewers’ roster as of at this time, the participant with probably the most worth on the roster is William Contreras. Over the previous two seasons, he’s recorded an 11.1 fWAR. He’s been within the MVP vote in each seasons, and he performs a place that’s extremely desired. The one different Brewer who has an argument for high worth is Jackson Chourio (and he’s not going wherever else, anytime quickly).
The issue with Contreras comes along with his contract. He’s projected to make $7.6 million in 2024. That’s going to proceed to climb, with it passing $10 million as quickly as subsequent season and rising from there. It’s doable that he’ll ultimately earn the best arbitration wage for a catcher.
One main consider Contreras’ tradability would be the improvement of Jeferson Quero. He’s the Brewers high prospect in keeping with MLB.com, and is available in at No. 43 total at present. Quero is approaching MLB prepared, however there’s nonetheless loads of questions round him. The plan for him was to spend 2024 in Triple-A Nashville, however a torn labrum suffered within the first sport of the season ended his season. He’s anticipated to be prepared for spring coaching, however we’ll nonetheless must see him again in motion.
Whereas will probably be robust for Quero to succeed in Contreras’ stage, any stable efficiency can push Contreras into the commerce dialog. In fact, the Brewers nonetheless have three extra years of management earlier than Contreras hits free company. He’ll nonetheless be round via 2025 and certain 2026 as effectively.
