The Milwaukee Brewers are coming off a disappointing season which saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
The way they missed the playoffs was discouraging.
Milwaukee was playing like one of the best teams in the National League through the first 50 games of the season.
They had a 32-18 record and were leading the NL Central.
But, over the second half of the season, everything went wrong for the Brewers.
They made a few roster decisions during the season that influenced their team.
Now they will have to make some tough decisions again in the offseason.
Here are two moves the Brewers need to make.
1. Trade Corbin Burnes
This may be an unpopular opinion, but the Brewers made it clear they were looking to sell last season.
While they were fighting for playoff positioning they decided to trade closer Josh Hader at the trade deadline.
That move was unpopular amongst the rest of the Brewers players and they flopped down the stretch partially because of that.
Now is the time for the Brewers to move on from their best pitcher.
Teams have already reached out to Milwaukee to discuss their top three SP (Burnes, Woodruff, Peralta). While Burnes is less likely to be moved (obvious) there is a scenario where he is traded, per source.
Possible Fits: LAD, BAL, TOR, ARI
— MLB Nerds (@MLBNerds) November 10, 2022
Milwaukee has never been a team willing to spend massive money in free agency.
With Burnes set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, the Brewers could get a massive package in return for him now.
2. Develop Their Prospects
For teams not willing to spend big in free agency, developing prospects has always been an avenue to success.
Now the Brewers need to find some contributors in their farm system that can help their team.
Milwaukee needs a new catcher, center fielder, and utility infielder.
All of which can be found in their farm system.
Four of the Brewers’ top five prospects are outfielders, while the other is a shortstop.
Also, Milwaukee has a catcher prospect who is a few years away from the big leagues but is already a top-ten prospect for them.
A glowing wrap-up on Jeferson Quero, the best defensive catcher in the Arizona Fall League 🏆
• Best CS% in the AFL (46%, next best 26%)
• 2nd best CS% in AFL since ’05 w/ as many attempts
• Only 14 MLB catchers threw a ball as hard as Quero this fall (86.9)#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/MRlms8pzUb
— Brewers Player Development (@BrewersPD) November 14, 2022
The Brewers need to start looking towards the future and developing their young players is where to begin.
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