Milwaukee Brewers: Could Jhoulys Chacin Be An Extension Candidate?

Spring training is usually a time for teams to sign some of their quality players to contract extensions. Could the Milwaukee Brewers look to sign Jhoulys Chacin to a longer deal?

Over the past few days, baseball has seen contract extensions for Aaron Hicks, Miles Mikolas, and Nolan Arenado get signed. All three were scheduled to become free agents after this season. The biggest upcoming free agent for the Milwaukee Brewers is Jhoulys Chacin. Could he get an extension offer?

With the current status of free agency being what it is, it might be best for some players to avoid going into free agency and signing deals with their current teams.

What Makes Jhoulys Chacin An Extension Candidate?

Chacin, 31, had a strong 2018 season for the Milwaukee Brewers, turning in a career year with a 3.50 ERA. He emerged as the best starting pitcher on the staff for the Brewers and was one of the few dependable arms available during the postseason run.

For 2019, Chacin is due $6.75 million and then will be a free agent at season’s end. With another strong season, Chacin should see himself earn another nice contract on the free agent market next winter. But if he suffers some regression this year, then teams won’t put as much stock into his mid career turnaround.

At 31 years of age, Chacin is still young enough to depend on a few more good years out of his arm. If the Milwaukee Brewers fully believe in his 2018 performance and believe that he can repeat it, then it might be in their best interest to sign him for at least another year or two.

Should the Brewers Extend Jhoulys Chacin?

There haven’t been any reported contract extension talks between the two sides, but with the recent rash of impending free agents across the league signing extensions, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

An extension would be unusual in this scenario, but stranger things have happened. It also may not be the wisest move to extend Chacin for a few more years. Chacin is coming off a career year with results that he likely will not be able to replicate. His 4.03 FIP last year shows he was more lucky than dominant.

Also, the Milwaukee Brewers have plenty of young pitchers ready for the rotation. Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta, and Brandon Woodruff are the future for this rotation and there are more coming up behind them. The Brewers are already facing a roster crunch with their group of starting pitchers, and keeping Chacin for even one extra year would make that roster crunch even worse.

The front office was willing to let Wade Miley leave in free agency this winter and will likely be willing to do the same with Chacin next winter. Chacin is a good pitcher and he’s done well with the Brewers so far, but not every good player is one worth a contract extension.

It’s unlikely that the Brewers have engaged in talks with Jhoulys Chacin, but it’s not impossible. It’s just improbable.