The Brewers’ championship season ended with a ring, but the first signs of the offseason are already pointing toward a roster that could look different in 2027.
One of the names now floating around the market is Dustin May, and CBS Sports has him ranked as the No. 25 free agent this winter. In that projection, Milwaukee is not listed as a possible landing spot. Instead, Mike Axisa pointed to the Los Angeles Angels, Athletics and Washington Nationals.
"No. 25.
RHP Dustin May," CBS Sports' Mike Axisa wrote. "Potential landing spots: Angels, Athletics, Nationals. ...
It is not the best sign, though, that the Brewers, who know pitching as well as any team, couldn't fully unlock May after making him their big deadline rotation addition. Still, the combination of age and high-octane stuff makes him a nice upside play on a short-term contract, particularly for a rebuilding team that is willing to run him out there every fifth day regardless of results."
May’s Milwaukee stint was uneven. He made 10 starts in the regular season, posting a 5.65 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 15 walks in 36 2/3 innings. In the playoffs, he appeared in five games, including two starts, and finished with a 5.73 ERA over 11 innings.
Even with the numbers not matching the hope, May still filled a need for Milwaukee down the stretch as a depth arm. The Brewers got what they needed from him in the moment, even if the fit may not continue.
That possibility lines up with the rest of Milwaukee’s offseason picture. The team already has four players in free agency: Brandon Woodruff, Jake Bauers, JoJo Romero and May.
Among that group, the Brewers’ focus figures to stay on Bauers, Woodruff and perhaps Romero. May, meanwhile, could very well land a better payday somewhere else.
He may not be back in Milwaukee, but he did spend a few months there and leave with a World Series ring. For both sides, that still counts as a win.
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