Brewers: Are They Done Adding Offense After McCutchen Signing?

The Milwaukee Brewers entered the restarted free agency period looking to supplement the offense and fill the newly created DH position. They ended up signing Andrew McCutchen. The question now is: Are they done?

The Brewers had two offensive holes that you could argue count as one, and that is first base and DH. They have two options for first base in Rowdy Tellez and Keston Hiura, both of whom the organization like but Hiura is coming off two straight down years and Tellez, while solid last year, could easily be upgraded.

With McCutchen to back up the outfield but mostly DH, are the Brewers still looking at the first base market to help out that position?

After signing Andrew McCutchen to a one year contract, the Milwaukee Brewers could very well be done looking for offense in the free agency and trade markets.

There are still a number of big options out there on the market. Freddie Freeman is available, although he is going to cost way too much unless he is willing to take a short term deal to come to Milwaukee, which is unlikely.

Luke Voit is available on the trade market after the Yankees signed Anthony Rizzo to play first base. He could be an option. Kris Bryant would be a fun addition to this offense, he’s still available as of this writing.

But will they pursue any of them?

It seems like the Brewers could very well be done looking for offense after the McCutchen signing. He’s going to spend a lot of his time at DH and some time in the outfield, rotating with Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, and Tyrone Taylor, who is deserving of more ABs this year.

The only real “hole” left for this offense is first base, and they already have two options they like, but just need to get them some regular time and see what they have. Keston Hiura was a highly touted prospect, all along we were told about how well he could hit. We saw it in 2019, but it’s been missing for the last two seasons.  He’s made some mechanical changes this offseason and the Brewers are going to want to see if it works.

Hiura is going to get a shot, and if they bring in another hitter to play first base, DH is no longer a backup for him with McCutchen in the fold. Outfield and second base are also unlikely due to the depth at those positions. Hiura is going to play, and his primary option is first base. They need to see what they have in him this year.

If Hiura and Tellez struggle offensively, then first base may become a need once again to fill via the trade market in the middle of the season. But, for right now, the Brewers appear done adding to the offense and will take this group into the start of the regular season.

They’ve improved their lineup against lefties and added a veteran bat that still has plenty of power in it. They’ve upgraded the offense from last year for sure. But just how much of an upgrade it is, will still be dependent on the bounce backs of Yelich and Hiura.

McCutchen is a good get for David Stearns, and his bat should play well in Milwaukee. Hopefully it can be a stronger year for the Brewers offense in 2022.