Brewers: Brandon Woodruff And Crew Have Not Discussed Future Plans

Homegrown Milwaukee Brewers talent Brandon Woodruff is currently in a tough situation. Two weeks ago he underwent shoulder surgery due to a capsular injury and because of this, his ability to pitch in 2024 is in doubt. Complicating this picture further is the fact that next season also just so happens to be his final year of team control.

2024 is Brandon Woodruff's final year of arbitration in which MLB Trade Rumors has his projected salary at $11.6 MM. With not pitching at all next season a real possibility this puts the Brewers in an interesting situation and there are a few different paths that Milwaukee could take.

A few options include: 1) non-tendering him and avoiding any financial obligations 2) temporarily tendering him a contract and trading him to a team willing to take on both the financial and performance risks he possesses 3) tendering him a one year contract and risking him walking after the 2024 season and potentially not throwing a pitch 4) lastly, signing him to a contract extension in which a two year deal makes the most sense so that he can focus on recovery in 2024 and a full return in 2025.

With all of these options on the table, the Brewers will have to start making decisions soon. Unfortunately, according to Brandon Woodruff, he has not been approached by Milwaukee yet. He revealed this bit of information while appearing on an episode of Foul Territory TV.

Brandon Woodruff and the Milwaukee Brewers have not discussed their future plans.

Despite Brandon Woodruff revealing that him and the Brewers have not discussed their future plans there is no need to panic right now. We are still in the month of October, the World Series has just begun, and the off-season has not officially kicked into full swing yet. There will be plenty of time to discuss things and thankfully the Big Woo has indicated that he wants to remain a Brewer for a long time.

“I’ve been so lucky to be with one organization and basically one coaching staff my whole career….I fit in so well with that city and this organization that my hope is that I will be a Brewer for a long time. That’s what I want.”

Keeping this in mind it is possible that Brandon Woodruff considers giving the Brewers a financial break knowing that he may not pitch in 2024. A lower cost two year deal would be the best way to approach this, but Brandon Woodruff has also indicated that he has his sights set on pitching again next summer.

"From talking with multiple doctors, there is a possibility to be open to me throwing at some point this summer….As an athlete, you have to set goals and [have] something to look forward to.”

It will be interesting to see what happens between Milwaukee and Brandon Woodruff. The non-tender deadline this off-season is Friday, November 18, so at the latest we should gain a little more knowledge as to his future with the Brewers at that time.