Brewers' Outfield Surplus Could Be the Key to Unlocking Offseason Upgrades
The Milwaukee Brewers are heading into the winter with a good problem to have - too many outfielders. Their recent signing of Akil Baddoo added yet another name to an already crowded outfield group, pushing the total to nine outfielders on the 40-man roster.
That’s nearly a quarter of the team’s roster spots dedicated to one position group. And while Baddoo himself may not be a lock for the Opening Day roster - with a minor league option remaining, he’s likely ticketed for Triple-A unless he lights up spring training - his addition highlights a larger reality: the Brewers have stockpiled outfield depth, and that could be the leverage they need to make a meaningful move.
Let’s be clear - this isn’t about Baddoo shaking up the roster. It’s about what his signing represents.
Milwaukee is sitting on a surplus at a position that’s in demand around the league. That kind of leverage doesn’t come around often, especially in an offseason where multiple teams are openly searching for outfield help.
The Brewers may not have made a major splash yet, but with this kind of depth, they’re well-positioned to strike.
Trade Chips, Not Core Pieces
The Brewers have been loosely linked to trade chatter this offseason, most notably surrounding ace Freddy Peralta. But moving Peralta would mean parting with one of the team’s most valuable arms - not exactly the kind of deal that makes you better in the short term.
Trading from the outfield, though? That’s a different story.
Outside of untouchables like Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick, Milwaukee has several young, controllable outfielders who could draw interest without gutting the core. Garrett Mitchell, Blake Perkins, and Isaac Collins all stand out as potential trade candidates.
None of them are guaranteed starters, but each brings enough upside to be intriguing for teams in need.
And that’s the key - the Brewers don’t have to trade anyone, but if they want to address other roster needs, especially behind the plate or on the pitching staff, they’ll need to clear space. The 40-man roster is full, and any incoming major-league talent would require a corresponding move. Packaging an outfielder in a deal for a reliable reliever or a backup catcher could be the kind of smart, targeted upgrade that helps balance the roster without compromising long-term potential.
A Seller’s Market for Outfielders
Milwaukee isn’t the only team with an outfield crunch - just look at the Boston Red Sox. Their situation has drawn plenty of attention this offseason, with Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu reportedly on the block. But while Boston’s surplus may be more headline-worthy, the Brewers’ depth has its own value, especially considering how many teams are shopping for outfield help.
The Royals, Mariners, Guardians, Reds, and even the Dodgers are all in the market to some degree. That’s a wide pool of potential trade partners, and it gives Milwaukee the opportunity to play matchmaker. Whether it’s a one-for-one swap or part of a larger deal, the Brewers have the kind of roster flexibility that can make negotiations easier - and more fruitful.
A Strategic Stockpile - But for How Long?
There’s also a chance the Brewers simply head into spring training with this outfield group intact. After all, redundancy isn’t a bad thing in February.
Injuries happen. Prospects need seasoning.
Veterans hit slumps. Having a few extra capable outfielders in camp can help smooth out those bumps.
But at some point, the numbers game catches up. Carrying this many outfielders into the regular season without making a move could mean missing out on a prime opportunity to deal from strength. This is one of those rare offseasons where the Brewers are holding a valuable hand - and the rest of the league knows it.
So the question becomes: does Milwaukee cash in now, while the market is hot? Or do they wait and risk watching that leverage fade?
Either way, the outfield logjam isn’t just a roster quirk - it’s one of the most intriguing storylines of the Brewers’ offseason. And how they navigate it could go a long way in shaping their 2026 roster.