The Brewers have already made one notable move this offseason, trading away Isaac Collins - a player who logged 130 games last season - and that single transaction has left a noticeable gap in their outfield depth. Now, as we head deeper into free agency and the trade market cools, Milwaukee finds itself in a bit of a bind. With Sal Frelick and Jackson Chourio penciled in as everyday starters, the supporting cast in the outfield suddenly looks thin, and the front office may need to pivot.
Let’s break down where things stand - and where the Brewers might go from here.
The Current Outfield Picture
Blake Perkins is a reliable glove and has come through with some clutch hits, but he profiles more as a fourth outfielder on a contending team than a lineup fixture. Beyond him, the options are a mixed bag: Garrett Mitchell has plenty of upside but has struggled to stay healthy.
Brandon Lockridge is still a bit of an unknown at the big-league level. Akil Baddoo and Jake Bauers?
They’re more depth pieces than everyday solutions.
Then there’s Christian Yelich - still capable, still productive, but at this stage in his career, the Brewers would much prefer to keep him at designated hitter rather than risk another injury by throwing him back into regular outfield duty.
Milwaukee does have a couple of intriguing prospects in Braylon Payne and Luis Lara. Payne, the organization’s No. 9 prospect, isn’t expected to be ready this season. Lara, ranked No. 12, spent last year in Double-A and could be on the radar in a pinch, but counting on him to step into a major league role out of the gate would be a stretch.
All told, the Brewers may need to look outside the organization for reinforcements - whether that’s via free agency or a trade.
Free Agents: Slim Pickings or Long Shots?
Let’s start with the big names.
Kyle Tucker is still unsigned, but let’s be real - this isn’t happening. He’s likely looking at a deal north of $35 million per year, and that’s just not how Milwaukee operates. The Brewers have never handed out a contract of that size, and there’s no indication they’re about to start now.
Cody Bellinger remains on the market as well, but he and agent Scott Boras are reportedly seeking a deal well above what teams have been willing to offer so far. Even if Bellinger were open to a short-term “prove-it” contract - which seems unlikely after a strong bounce-back season - it’s hard to picture Milwaukee outbidding others for his services.
Mike Yastrzemski was an interesting potential fit, but he’s off the board after signing a two-year, $23 million deal with Atlanta. By the time he hits free agency again, he’ll be 37.
Trade Market: What’s Changed?
The trade landscape has shifted over the past month, and with it, the viability of some earlier targets has changed too.
Byron Buxton (Twins): On paper, Buxton would be a dream fit. He’s a two-time All-Star and one of the most dynamic players in the league when healthy.
But according to reports, Minnesota plans to keep him around as part of their core - along with Joe Ryan and Pablo López - as they retool for 2026. While the Twins are technically listening to offers, it would take a massive return to pry Buxton loose, and that’s not typically the Brewers’ style.
Add in his injury history and full no-trade clause through next season, and it’s hard to see a deal coming together anytime soon. That said, if Minnesota’s season goes south by next year’s deadline, Buxton’s name could resurface.
Colton Cowser / Heston Kjerstad (Orioles): Both are promising young outfielders, and Cowser in particular would be a strong fit. But Baltimore just sent four of their top 30 prospects - including two outfielders - to Tampa Bay in a deal for Shane Baz.
That move accomplishes two things: it depletes their trade capital and potentially satisfies their need for a starting pitcher, which had previously made them a logical trade partner for Milwaukee (especially if the Brewers were willing to move Freddy Peralta). After that deal, another significant trade involving Cowser or Kjerstad feels less likely.
Jarren Duran (Red Sox): Duran’s name has been floating around in trade rumors, but Boston’s offseason moves - adding Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras - suggest they’re going for it, not rebuilding. Duran figures to play a key role in any Red Sox playoff push, and prying him away would likely require a veteran contributor in addition to prospects. That’s a tough ask for Milwaukee, which typically builds around young, controllable talent.
Lars Nootbaar (Cardinals): Now here’s an intriguing name. Nootbaar isn’t a star, but he’s a solid, versatile outfielder who would represent a clear upgrade over the Brewers’ current depth options.
He’s also 28, and with Chaim Bloom now running the show in St. Louis - and already shedding salary by trading away veterans like Gray and Contreras - it’s fair to wonder whether Nootbaar fits into the Cardinals’ long-term plans.
Still, trades between division rivals are rare, and this one would be especially tricky to pull off.
So, What’s Next?
The Brewers’ most likely path forward? Stay the course - at least for now.
Before the Collins trade, the expectation was a starting outfield of Frelick, Chourio, and Collins, with Yelich at DH, Perkins as the top bench option, and Mitchell as a high-upside wild card. That plan has obviously been shaken up, but unless something unexpected materializes, Milwaukee may roll into the season with a similar structure - just with one more question mark than before.
There’s still time for a deal to come together, and the Brewers have the farm system to make a move if the right opportunity presents itself. But as of today, none of the big names seem any more attainable than they did a month ago. The front office may be content to wait, see how things shake out in spring training, and reassess at the trade deadline - a strategy that’s worked well for them in the past.
The outfield might not be set in stone just yet, but it’s clear the Brewers are weighing their options carefully. Whether they decide to make a splash or stick with what they’ve got, one thing’s certain: this roster still has the potential to compete - especially if the young core continues to step up.