The Milwaukee Brewers, who set a MLB record with 97 wins in 2025 and posted their best regular-season record ever, faced a humiliating elimination in last year’s playoffs. Despite losing to the eventual World Series champions, the Los Angeles , the Brewers entered the NLCS as clear underdogs, ending the postseason on a sour note that overshadowed their regular-season success. They were swept 15-4 in the series and posted a dismal batting line of .118/.191/.193 with an OPS of .384, marking the second-lowest in team history during the Championship Series.
After a summer filled with standout moments and an early playoff victory over the Cubs, the Brewers fell short of making the World Series for only the second time in franchise history. However, their high win total serves as a testament to the team’s consistent competitiveness, regardless of payroll or roster changes. Milwaukee has come close multiple times over the past decade but hasn’t reached the Fall Classic, raising questions about what moves the organization must make to finally get there.
This offseason presents a chance for the Brewers to strengthen their roster, but unlike other teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, who responded quickly and aggressively after their own playoff disappointment, Milwaukee has shown little urgency. Their free-agent activity has been limited to extending Brandon Woodruff with a qualifying offer and signing outfielder Akil Badu to a split contract, without a guaranteed roster spot.
While Milwaukee’s smaller market and financial constraints play a role in their cautious approach, the contrast with their historic regular season and disappointing playoff exit makes their tentative off-season strategy intriguing.
With spring training approaching, four major questions hover over the Brewers’ future:
1. Will the team trade Freddy Peralta?
Peralta, who is coming off his best season yet and is set to earn $8 million before free agency in 2026, is a highly valuable trade asset. Despite his importance, the Brewers have a history of trading key players, like Corbin Burnes, to get valuable returns. Several teams have shown interest in Peralta, who could bring back even more than Burnes did. Trading him would be a tough decision but could be justified if it strengthens the roster for the future.
2. What should fans expect from Jacob Misiorowski in 2026?
Misiorowski, a promising 24-year-old pitcher, had a breakthrough 2025, including impressive postseason performances. While he has great strikeout ability, concerns about his control remain. His development is crucial for the Brewers and could influence the decision on whether to trade Peralta.
3. Will the Brewers add a major league hitter?
The offensive lineup has seen little reinforcement beyond signing Akil Badu, who remains an uncertain contributor. The team even traded away Isaac Collins, who had a breakout rookie season. This raises questions about whether the offense, which ranked mid-tier in OPS and low in home runs in 2025, will improve significantly before Opening Day. Potential trades or low-cost free agents like Miguel Andujar or Austin Hayes could strengthen the lineup, especially if certain key players like Andrew Bourne don’t return.
4. What is Jackson Chourio’s potential ceiling?
Chourio, a 20-year-old with great promise, showed similar stats in his first two seasons, but his underlying metrics slipped slightly in his sophomore year. For him to truly become a franchise cornerstone, he needs to develop both offensively and defensively, particularly whether he can handle center field. His progress will be pivotal for Milwaukee’s future plans.
Fan Take: This offseason reflects a critical crossroads for the Brewers, balancing the challenge of maintaining competitiveness with financial limitations. Baseball fans should watch closely, as how Milwaukee navigates these decisions could signal a broader shift in how smaller-market teams build contenders in an era dominated by spending power.
