5 Former Brewers Players Milwaukee Can Still Reunite With In Free Agency

2. Jesus Aguilar

I know Jesus Aguilar had a down year in 2022, but the lovable slugger still has some juice in his bat. He'd be a great addition back into the clubhouse and could provide some depth help at first base and DH behind Rowdy Tellez and Jesse Winker.

Aguilar is coming off a .235/.281/.379 season with 16 homers and and 86 OPS+. He was DFA'ed by the Marlins and claimed by the Orioles mid-season. He was non-tendered by Baltimore, putting him back on the free agent market this winter.

Aguilar is going to be entering his age 33 season and is likely looking at a bench/depth role coming off the season he had. He did the same thing for the Brewers in 2017 when they claimed him off waivers from Cleveland. He made the team in a bench role behind Eric Thames and spent most of the time as a pinch hitter and backup option, but eventually earned the starting job. He could potentially do so again.

However, there won't be much pinch hitting for Aguilar to do now with the DH in both leagues, but Aguilar could be a DH option as well, likely behind Jesse Winker. If Winker isn't able to bounce back in 2023 or needs a day off, Aguilar could jump in and provide some productive ABs. It'd be a cheap, one year deal at most, and this is a place Aguilar has thrived and became an All Star. Perhaps he'd be open to coming back.

3. Will Smith

Will Smith had a great career with the Brewers from 2014-16 and has gone on to do bigger and better things since he was traded away in July 2016. He recently won another World Series ring with the Houston Astros this year after winning one the year before with the Atlanta Braves.

However, the Brewers never really used Smith in the postseason despite the fact that he had a 3.24 ERA in 24 appearances with them in the regular season since getting traded to them.

Smith ended up with a 3.97 ERA in 65 appearances last season. He's remained a solid pitcher although his days as a closer may be over. He saved 37 games for Atlanta in 2021 and was excellent for them in their postseason run. He lost the closer's job there in 2022.

The Brewers wouldn't be asking Smith to close games anyways, not with Devin Williams still on the roster. Milwaukee needs another left-handed relief option besides Hoby Milner and Smith fits the bill. He has the experience to fill a late inning role if need be but doesn't necessarily have to be in that kind of spot.