The Milwaukee Brewers are heading into the offseason with most of their core intact, but one familiar bullpen arm is now officially on the market. Nine-year veteran reliever Bryse Wilson elected free agency last week, according to the official MLB transactions log.
Wilson’s exit comes after another stretch with Milwaukee that began in July, following stops with the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs. The Brewers later designated him for assignment, only for him to return to the club a day later. In 13 appearances with Milwaukee this season, he worked to a 3.51 ERA with 23 strikeouts across 25 2/3 innings.
This wasn’t Wilson’s first run with the Brewers, either. He also pitched for Milwaukee in 2023 and 2024, and his best work in the majors has come in a Brewers uniform.
Across 100 games with the organization, Wilson has a 3.43 ERA. He’s had his rough patches along the way, but the 28-year-old brings enough experience to make himself an interesting free-agent option.
Even with Wilson moving on, Milwaukee’s bullpen remains crowded. The Brewers had one of the league’s best relief groups this season and are set to bring back most of the key pieces, with midseason addition JoJo Romero the notable exception. That makes a return for Wilson possible, but it’s tough to picture him stepping into a major role.
The bigger offseason questions for Milwaukee sit elsewhere. Jake Bauers is set to test free agency after a breakout year, though the Brewers extended him a $23 million qualifying offer. The club also has decisions ahead on William Contreras and Trevor Megill, both of whom have one year left before reaching free agency.
With the threat of an impending lockout hanging over the winter, Milwaukee’s priorities appear to be more internal than external. Wilson, meanwhile, heads into free agency after a solid season and a strong track record in Milwaukee, leaving his next stop to be determined.
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