When the Milwaukee Brewers decided to part ways with Jake Bauers in November, it came as no surprise. Bauers had finished the 2024 season with a disappointing .199/.301/.361 slash line, and with a projected $2.3 million salary through arbitration, there was little justification for keeping him.
As time passed, there seemed to be minimal interest from the Brewers—or any other team—in signing Bauers. He has long been the type of player who moves from team to team, filling roster gaps at a low cost. His continued free-agent status wasn’t unexpected, and many assumed he would eventually sign a non-guaranteed deal just before spring training.
However, Bauers did land a non-guaranteed deal sooner than anticipated, and it was the Brewers themselves who signed him to a minor league contract.
Although it may seem odd that the Brewers brought Bauers back after previously letting him go, the move carries no real risk. Bauers possesses raw power and speed, making him a potential depth option on the bench for a contending team, especially with his positional versatility. Plus, Bauers delivered in key moments for the Brewers late in the season.
That said, the Brewers must avoid giving Bauers significant playing time. While he has some upside, his struggles with strikeouts make him unsuitable for an everyday role.
Bringing Bauers back offers insurance in case one of the Brewers’ outfielders or Rhys Hoskins is injured. It may not be the most exciting offseason move, but it does provide some value.
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