Coming into the 2015 campaign the Brewers were vying for a wild card spot with the talented roster and manager they had, but now after firing Ron Roenicke earlier in the season, then trading away big stars, the team is on a different path. After a sever downfall from first place late 2014, then a horrible outing in 2015, the Brewers are on rebuilding mode now. With a current payroll of under $100 million, the Brew-Crew has some cap space to play with.
Unlike the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee can rebuild and compete for a ring as early as next season. Another difference of the Brewers’ rebuild is that they only have three prospects in the top 100 (all position players). This rebuild will be about improving their young kids in the majors to develop into stars, and signing big name free agents.
After trading away Carlos Gomez, Gerardo Parra, and Aramis Ramirez, the Brew-Crew has created holes at 3B as well as in the outfield; however, they do have some young talent right now filling those holes. Third base doesn’t consist of any good young talent, just some washed up veteran minor leaguers, but the outfield is a lot more promising. Right now in left field is Khris Davis who has a lot of power potential coming off of a 22 homer, 37 double 2014 season. In centerfield is a phenomenal young glove on Logan Schafer, and a good all-around prospect from Long Beach State by the name of Shane Peterson. However, Milwaukee doesn’t have much top-rated prospects, but they do have some money to spend.
With an abundance of free agent starting pitching available this upcoming offseason, the Brew-Crew can afford to grab a couple veteran starters such as Mark Buehrle or Tim Lincecum, to go along with the young kids in the rotation (Jimmy Nelson, Taylor Jungmann). As for the offense, Milwaukee needs to sign a big-time infielder that can play either short and/or 3B. To sign a big name infielder, a veteran outfielder, and a couple solid rotation arms, the Brewers should be competing for at least a wild card spot and 88 wins in 2016; assuming new manager Craig Counsell is able to spread his knowledge of how National League play works. The Milwaukee Brewers are in a rebuild state of mind currently, but it will be a fast turn around.
