Brewers Free Agent Departures
Key Names:
Andrew McCutchen
Brent Suter
Taylor Rogers
There is not a ton to talk about here as the Brewers didn't have a lot of big names or even qualifying offer level guys hit free agency last year. Andrew McCutchen is the most well-known name, but he is in the twilight of his career and hadn't been a great hitter for a few years so it was understandable that Milwaukee didn't bring him back. It is worth noting that he is having a career renaissance back in Pittsburgh with a .282/.395/.448 line this season. One has to root for a guy like Cutch, so seeing him show out again is great to see.
Where the Brewers kinda screwed up here is the bullpen arms that they let go. The vast majority of the guys that left are not ones that will be missed, but both Brent Suter and Taylor Rogers have had really strong 2023 seasons. Sure, you can understand why Milwaukee wouldn't match the deal the Giants gave Rogers at three years and $33 million, but losing Suter (who has been about as good as Rogers) to the Rockies on a $3 million deal stings.
Free Agent Departures Grade - C+: The Brewers didn't have many guys hitting free agency, so it can only be so bad. However, Cutch's rebound with the Pirates hurts them a little bit and not bringing back one of Suter or Rogers (mostly the former) looks like a misstep. Even with lower stakes, the Brewers need to maximize value to stay competitive each year and they lost some here.