The offseason has been relatively quiet for the Milwaukee Brewers, particularly when it comes to enhancing their roster of position players. The team did make a move by signing outfielder Akil Baddoo to a split contract, which means he will earn one salary while on the major league roster and a different amount when playing in the minors. However, this signing was somewhat overshadowed by the trade that sent outfielder Isaac Collins to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Ángel Zerpa, indicating that Baddoo's arrival is more of a replacement rather than a genuine enhancement to the lineup. Coupled with the uncertain future of Rhys Hoskins—who has been speculated to be moving to the Washington Nationals following an unverified report—the Brewers seem to be depending on their current roster to improve as the offseason progresses.
There is potential for an offensive upgrade if a trade involving Freddy Peralta gains traction, a scenario that appears to have gained traction recently. Alternatively, General Manager Matt Arnold and his team might explore unexpected trades utilizing other valuable assets within the organization. Nevertheless, considering Milwaukee's financial constraints, the likelihood of the Brewers making a substantial addition through free agency seems slim. Yet, there remains a possibility; as players linger on the market without signing contracts, they may become more amenable to short-term deals, which has historically aligned with the Brewers' strategy. However, it's more probable that any late-season improvements to the offense will be minimal.
In contrast, several rivals within the Brewers’ division are actively pursuing opportunities in the free-agent market. The Chicago Cubs are looking to bolster their outfield after trading top prospect Owen Caissie to acquire Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. The Cincinnati Reds, aiming to enhance their offensive capabilities, are also in need of significant upgrades if they hope to compete seriously in the National League. Meanwhile, the rebuilding St. Louis Cardinals are simply on the lookout for players who can contribute to their roster, even as they consider trading some of them for prospects later in the season.
A recent report from MLB insider Jon Heyman indicates that the Cubs, Reds, and Cardinals are all vying for the services of one of the most sought-after free agents remaining on the market: Miguel Andujar. After an impressive 2025 season, where he posted a .318 batting average and an .822 OPS, Andujar is attracting considerable attention from teams like the Rangers, Padres, and A's, along with the aforementioned NL Central teams, all of whom are keen on adding a left-handed hitter to their rosters.
Brewers fans have expressed their interest in Andujar, but the ongoing bidding war may effectively exclude Milwaukee from the competition. With Andujar approaching his 31st birthday, he is likely to secure a multi-year deal this offseason—something that does not align with the Brewers' current strategy.
Despite his history of inconsistency and injuries that have limited him to incomplete seasons over the past two years, Andujar's proficiency against left-handed pitchers is undeniable. His career statistics show a remarkable slash line of .297/.332/.475 against southpaws, resulting in a 121 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), contrasted with a more modest 101 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. This disparity became even more pronounced during the 2025 season when he recorded a staggering 171 wRC+ against lefties in 94 games played between the Athletics and Reds, compared to a 108 wRC+ against right-handers.
Although Andujar can play both third base and the outfield, he is not known for his defensive prowess and offers limited value on the bases. Any team that signs him would primarily view him as a corner outfielder who could start against left-handed pitchers and potentially face righties on occasion. This profile fits the needs of the Cubs, Cardinals, and Reds as they seek to fortify their rosters this offseason.
Fortunately for the Brewers, their projected Opening Day rotation currently lacks any left-handed pitchers. While Robert Gasser is expected to make an impact at some point, the absence of formidable left-handed starters means that even if Andujar joins a divisional rival, his effectiveness against Milwaukee would be diminished.
Indeed, the Brewers could benefit from adding another outfielder—especially a right-handed one—but given their emphasis on defense and baserunning, Andujar does not represent the ideal fit that would compel the organization to exceed their usual Opening Day payroll thresholds. There are several underlying issues with his performance metrics that are likely to discourage the Brewers from pursuing the contract he will ultimately sign, which, following his strong showing in 2025, could very well be seen as an overvaluation.
