The Milwaukee Brewers are actively considering trading their outfield depth through recent discussions and reports, sparking interest and speculation about potential roster changes. But here's where it gets controversial: how will these maneuvers impact their overall team strategy, and are they truly making the right moves? According to reports from Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Brewers are open to moving some of their outfielders who currently occupy backup or depth roles, aiming to bolster other areas of their roster.
In particular, Isaac Collins and Blake Perkins are identified as the two most probable candidates to be traded. However, certain players like Jackson Chourio are considered untouchable; his status as a rising star makes him a core part of the organization. Similarly, Christian Yelich, who is owed a hefty $84.5 million over the next three seasons—including a buyout option for 2029—is unlikely to be moved because of his significant financial commitment and veteran presence.
The Brewers might also be hesitant to part ways with Sal Frelick, who is under team control for four more seasons. Frelick and Chourio are projected to hold the two primary outfield spots for Milwaukee, with Yelich primarily functioning as the DH and occasionally playing left field. This leaves just one opening in the outfield, setting the stage for three players—Collins, Perkins, and former first-round pick Garrett Mitchell—to vie for that spot.
Adding to the depth chart are Brandon Lockridge, a speedster brought in as a fifth outfielder, and Akil Baddoo, whom they signed on a split contract. All these players possess minor league options, meaning the Brewers are not forced to trade anyone immediately; instead, they have the flexibility to shift between options depending on their evolving roster needs. Interestingly, Rosenthal and Sammon suggest that Milwaukee might be looking to add a relief pitcher with minor league options, particularly someone who can offer greater flexibility for a bullpen that heavily depends on its long-term durability.
Diving into individual player profiles: Collins enjoyed a breakout season—finishing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting—hitting .263/.368/.411 with 22 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, and 16 stolen bases across 441 plate appearances. He played mostly as Milwaukee’s left fielder and was graded as a solid defender, contributing approximately two to three wins above replacement. His club control extends over five seasons, with arbitration eligibility starting in two years. However, questions remain about whether Collins can maintain that level: at 28 years old and with some concerning batted ball metrics, he might be seen as a 'tweener'—not really suited for center field but reliable enough for a corner.
Perkins, at age 29, fits the mold of a versatile fourth outfielder: a switch-hitter with a modest batting line of .232/.314/.339 over 773 career plate appearances, known for his speed and defensive skills in center field. Despite displaying good discipline at the plate, his tendency for more swing-and-miss issues could limit his value as a regular starter. He’s also entering his final pre-arbitration year, making him appealing trade bait, especially for teams seeking defensive upgrades in the middle of their outfield—like the Guardians, Angels, or Giants.
Then there’s Mitchell, a promising but unproven talent entering his age-27 season. Blessed with exceptional athletic traits—elite speed, power, and arm strength—Mitchell has the potential to be an impact center fielder. Yet, he's had a rocky injury history, repeatedly spending time on the injury list with shoulder surgeries, hand fractures, and oblique strains, which raises questions about his durability. His recent shoulder surgery in June and recovery timeline will be critical in determining his role moving forward. If Milwaukee believes Mitchell is their future in center, then Frelick and Chourio might move into corner spots, and Collins could be the odd man out—despite his offensive upside—since he's primarily a corner outfielder.
Conversely, if the organization remains cautious about Mitchell’s health, Frelick could be installed as the starting center fielder, with Collins filling a corner role. This would leave Mitchell and Perkins competing for the fourth outfielder spot, and potentially opening the door for a trade involving Perkins. The choice hinges on how confident the Brewers are in Mitchell’s ability to stay healthy and become a full-time starter.
This ongoing roster puzzle reflects the team's broader strategy: balancing prospects, veteran contributions, and financial considerations, all while positioning themselves for competitive success. The decisions made now could have ripple effects for seasons to come. What do you think—is Milwaukee making the right moves by trading depth, or could these changes backfire? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below!
