How Brewers' offseason spending strategy should change in wake of Jake Bauers' free agency decision

Just two and a half weeks after securing their franchise's first World Series title, the Milwaukee Brewers have already lost a key contributor from their memorable 2026 season. Jake Bauers, the 2026 NLCS MVP, landed a four-year, $58 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, ending his three-year stint with the Brewers. On the bright side, since the Brewers extended Bauers the qualifying offer before he decided to sign with the Red Sox, Milwaukee will receive a premium compensatory pick in the 2027 MLB Draft.

Brewers fans were prepared for the reality of Bauers departing after his breakout 2026 campaign. The 31-year-old, who nearly gave up baseball after the 2024 season, hit his stride at the perfect moment, and, as a result, cashed in with a life-changing contract. The Brewers typically avoid paying players at their peak value, so agreeing to a multi-year deal with Bauers never felt like a real possibility for the defending World Champions. Regardless, losing Bauers is certainly difficult for the Brewers, who will now have to replace his production.

Bauers won't be the only member of Milwaukee's World Series roster who won't return for the 2027 season. Another key contributor to the Brewers' championship run, who is now a free agent, is left-handed reliever JoJo Romero, who was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals ahead of the trade deadline. Earlier at Reviewing the Brew, we detailed the expected competition that may make a reunion between Romero and the Brewers difficult.

Whether it's Romero or another arm, the left-handed relief pitcher market is one the Brewers should explore before the lockout arrives. However, according to MLB Network's insider Jon Morosi, Milwaukee isn't expected to be one of the early movers in said market.

Brewers' typical free agent strategy could be compromised by looming lockout, but supported by freed up financial resources

Following the Atlanta Braves' signing of right-handed reliever Evan Phillips, which required a three-year, $35 million deal, Morosi believes the left-handed free agent market will start to pick up. While Romero's name specifically did not come up in Morosi's reporting of players who may sign soon, the likes of Tim Hill, Alex Vesia, Brooks Raley, and A.J. Minter -- all solid back-up options if the Brewers miss out on Romero -- did.

As for teams engaged in this market, Morosi specifically mentioned the Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals, and St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers reportedly not being interested in lefty reliever right now doesn't exclude them from reuniting with Romero later on, or bringing in a new arm, but it does shine a light on how Milwaukee's typical free agent strategy could be compromised by the upcoming lockout.

The Brewers generally wait for free agent markets to fully materialize before making a move or two. They wait for underappreciated players to slip through the cracks and sign them late in the offseason when the possibility of a multi-year deal is out the window. However, assuming the league shuts down on December 1, when the lockout is expected to begin, the Brewers may have to adjust their usual approach to the free agent market.

Luckily, the Brewers should have the money to make those adjustments. Already expected to have more financial freedom this offseason due to their World Series run, the Brewers not paying anyone the qualifying offer this year should free up some payroll. Brandon Woodruff played on the qualifying offer in 2026, which was worth $22.025 million. That money is off the books in 2027 -- though the Brewers may re-sign Woodruff to a less-expensive deal. Additionally, Bauers effectively turned down the Brewers qualifying offer, which is worth $23.15 million this year, when he signed with the Red Sox, and the Brewers appear likely to replace Bauers internally, meaning no additional payroll will be spent as a result of his decision.

Therefore, the Brewers should have some money to spend, as few holes exist on their projected 2027 roster. Typically, that combination leads to contract extensions for currently rostered players, for which Milwaukee has several candidates -- Brice Turang, William Contreras, and Logan Henderson just to name a few. However, it also means the Brewers should be slightly more aggressive on the free agent market than they would have been had Bauers elected to stay in Milwaukee for another season by accepting the qualifying offer.

Though not typically the Brewers' modus operandi, the organization may elect to improve their bullpen via the free agent market this offseason. It's consequently important to note that Morosi's report about the Brewers not being early players on the left-handed free agent market came two days before Bauers opted to sign with the Sox. Perhaps now the reigning champs are more interested in adding a shutdown southpaw to their 'pen.

As things currently stand, Aaron Ashby, DL Hall, and Shane Drohan will presumably be back in the bullpen, unless Ashby, who is reportedly interested in converting back into a starter, or Drohan are needed in the starting rotation. Colton Gordon could also have an opportunity to carve out a larger role, while Ángel Zerpa and Brian Fitzpatrick are working their way back from Tommy John surgery and could only provide additional help during the final weeks of the 2027 season. Therefore, despite early reports, there's a very real likelihood the Brewers would be interested in adding another high-leverage lefty to their relief corps before the lockout, especially seeing as they have the money to do so.

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