Baseball fans often find themselves caught between hope and skepticism when their team considers making roster changes, and the Milwaukee Brewers are no exception. But here's where it gets controversial—reports suggest that Milwaukee is open to trading some of their outfielders from their deep pool, sparking discussions about strategic adjustments and potential trades. According to insights from renowned sports journalists Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Brewers are exploring options to move certain outfielders, particularly Isaac Collins and Blake Perkins, who are seen as the most likely candidates to be traded.
Meanwhile, Jackson Chourio remains firmly rooted in Milwaukee’s plans. He's considered a core piece, unlikely to be moved, especially given his promising future. Christian Yelich, in contrast, presents a different scenario—he’s owed a hefty sum of $84.5 million over the next three seasons, including a buyout option for 2029, which makes a trade unlikely without a significant financial compromise. Although there’s considerable interest in Sal Frelick, the Brewers are hesitant to part ways with him at this stage, as he still has four seasons of club control remaining. With Frelick and Chourio expected to occupy the two main outfield spots, Yelich is projected to primarily serve as the designated hitter, with occasional appearances in left field.
This situation leaves one open position in the outfield, creating opportunities for a few players vying for that spot. Collins, Perkins, and former first-round draft pick Garrett Mitchell are all in the mix, each bringing different strengths to the table. Additionally, Milwaukee has Brandon Lockridge, a speed-focused player, as a fifth outfielder, and has recently signed Akil Baddoo to a split contract, which affords some roster flexibility. Since all these players have minor league options, the Brewers aren’t forced to trade any of them; they can hold onto this depth while still being open to trading someone to strengthen other areas, such as their bullpen. In fact, Rosenthal and Sammon suggest that Milwaukee could pursue a relief pitcher with minor league options to add more versatility to their pitching staff.
Looking at recent performances, Isaac Collins had a standout season, finishing fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. The switch-hitter posted a solid .263 average with a .368 on-base percentage and a .411 slugging percentage over 441 plate appearances. His contributions included 22 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, and 16 stolen bases, along with a 13% walk rate. Defensively, Collins was Milwaukee’s primary left fielder, playing over 800 innings with a reputation as a reliable defender. Statistically, his season was valued at roughly two to three wins above replacement, and he’s under team control for five more seasons, not reaching arbitration for another two years. Still, there’s a reasonable question about whether he can replicate this performance, especially since he’s already 28 and his batted ball metrics weren’t particularly strong. His profile is somewhat mixed, as he isn’t a likely option for center field—yet his disciplined approach at the plate, contact skills, and solid glove give him a decent baseline.
Blake Perkins, age 29, is a prototypical fourth outfielder. He's a switch-hitter with modest career numbers— a .232/.314/.339 batting line across 773 plate appearances. Perkins is known for his speed and excellent defensive skills in center field, paired with a patient approach at the plate and a decent walk rate, though he also strikes out more often than Collins. He narrowly missed the Super Two arbitration cutoff and is expected to earn around league minimum next season, with eligibility for arbitration in 2027 and control over four seasons. While Collins is arguably the more well-rounded player, Perkins’s defensive prowess and availability in the trade market—given the scarcity of free-agent options for center field—make him an attractive target for several teams, including the Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Angels, and San Francisco Giants, all of whom seek defensive upgrades up the middle.
The decision on whether to move Mitchell, a 27-year-old with immense physical tools but limited MLB experience, depends heavily on how the Brewers evaluate his health and potential. Mitchell is a remarkable athlete with impressive speed, power, and arm strength, capable of impacting the game as a center fielder. However, his career has been marred by injuries—shoulder surgeries, broken hands, and oblique strains, leading to three consecutive seasons on the injury list. He underwent a second shoulder surgery in June and missed the entire second half of the season, though he’s expected to be ready for spring training. If Milwaukee believes Mitchell can be their long-term solution in center field, then Frelick and Chourio may shift to corner outfield spots, with Collins potentially being bumped out due to limited flexibility in the outfield. Conversely, if there’s hesitation about Mitchell’s durability or readiness, the team could keep Frelick as the starting center fielder, with Collins back in left, and Mitchell competing with Perkins for the fourth outfielder role. All these variables mean the Brewers are weighing options carefully, aiming for strategic roster boosts that can help them compete more effectively.
So, are Milwaukee’s plans to trade from their outfield depth a sign of strength—showing their willingness to upgrade where needed—or a reflection of unspoken uncertainties about certain players’ futures? What do you think? Would you prioritize rebuilding the outfield core or hold onto promising prospects? Drop your thoughts below and join the debate about the future of the Brewers' roster strategies.
