The Milwaukee Brewers recently signed catcher Gary Sánchez to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2025. This move brings in a player who hit 19 homers last season while playing for the San Diego Padres and New York Mets. However, his .217 batting average and .288 on-base percentage raise questions about his consistency at the plate. With a career batting average of .225, Sánchez does not bring a strong track record of hitting for average. Additionally, his defensive skills behind the plate may also be a concern for the Brewers. While he has shown power with 173 career homers, his overall offensive production has been inconsistent.
The Brewers already have William Contreras returning at catcher, who had an impressive season batting .289 with 17 homers and 78 RBIs. Contreras was a key player in helping Milwaukee win the National League Central title last season and was named the team’s most valuable player. The addition of Sánchez raises questions about how playing time will be divided between the two catchers. Furthermore, the departure of backup catcher Victor Caratini and the signing of Eric Haase and Austin Nola add more uncertainty to the catching situation for the Brewers.
In addition to signing Sánchez, the Brewers also made official their signing of injured right-hander Brandon Woodruff to a two-year deal. This backloaded $17.5 million contract includes a mutual option for the 2026 season. Woodruff, who is expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season due to shoulder surgery, presents a risk for the Brewers. While he has been a key pitcher for the team in the past, his health concerns raise doubts about his ability to contribute in the immediate future. The financial implications of the contract, with a $10 million buyout in case the mutual option is not exercised, add a layer of complexity to the deal.
The recent player signings by the Milwaukee Brewers, particularly the addition of Gary Sánchez and Brandon Woodruff, raise uncertainties about the team’s roster composition and performance in the upcoming season. While Sánchez brings power potential but lacks consistency, Woodruff’s injury status poses a risk for the team’s pitching rotation. The impact of these signings on the current roster and the financial implications of the contracts will be important factors to monitor as the season progresses. The Brewers will need to carefully manage the playing time and contributions of these new additions to maximize their potential impact on the team’s success.