In a whirlwind of offseason activity, the Milwaukee Brewers have made several key roster decisions that could shape the team’s future for years to come. Most notably, the Brewers have picked up the $8 million club option on star right-hander Freddy Peralta, ensuring that the young ace will remain a cornerstone of their rotation.
The move comes as a vote of confidence in Peralta, who battled injuries in the 2024 season but still managed to post an impressive 11-9 record with a 3.68 ERA and 200 strikeouts across 173⅔ innings pitched. At just 28 years old, Peralta is poised to anchor the Brewers’ pitching staff for the foreseeable future.
Brewers Decline Options on Williams, Haase
While securing Peralta was a top priority, the Brewers also made the difficult decision to decline club options on two other key players: closer Devin Williams and catcher Eric Haase.
Williams Remains Arbitration Eligible
In the case of Williams, the team declined his hefty $10.5 million option for the 2025 season. However, the two-time NL Reliever of the Year is not going anywhere just yet. Williams remains under team control and will be arbitration eligible for one more season, meaning he and the Brewers will need to negotiate a new contract for the upcoming year.
The 30-year-old closer missed significant time in 2024 due to stress fractures in his back but was dominant upon his return. In 21⅔ innings, he posted a minuscule 1.25 ERA and collected 14 saves. However, Williams also experienced a high-profile stumble in the NL Wild Card Series against the Mets, surrendering a devastating three-run homer to Pete Alonso in the ninth inning of a season-ending loss.
Haase’s Future Uncertain as Option Declined
Meanwhile, the Brewers also chose to decline their option on backup catcher Eric Haase. The 32-year-old hit .273 with a .304 on-base percentage, five home runs, and 14 RBIs in a limited role last season. Like Williams, Haase remains under team control and is arbitration eligible, leaving the door open for a potential return at a lower salary.
The flurry of moves signals that the Brewers are looking to retool their roster while remaining competitive in a tough NL Central division. By locking up Peralta and maintaining flexibility with Williams and Haase, Milwaukee is positioning itself to make additional moves in free agency and on the trade market.
“These decisions are never easy, but we have to do what’s best for the long-term success of the organization,” said a source close to the Brewers’ front office. “Freddy [Peralta] is a big part of our future, and we’re confident we can find common ground with Devin [Williams] and Eric [Haase] as well.”
As the offseason kicks into high gear, Brewers fans will be watching closely to see how the team navigates the challenges of building a perennial contender in a small market. With a core of young talent and a savvy front office, Milwaukee appears poised to make noise in the National League for years to come.
Key Takeaways from Brewers’ Offseason Moves
- Freddy Peralta’s $8M option picked up, keeping the young ace in Milwaukee
- Devin Williams’ $10.5M option declined, but he remains arbitration eligible and under team control
- Eric Haase’s option declined, leaving his future with the team uncertain
- Brewers aiming to retool roster while staying competitive in NL Central
- Additional moves expected in free agency and trade market as offseason unfolds
Only time will tell how the Brewers’ bold offseason maneuvering will play out, but one thing is certain: the team is not content to rest on its laurels. With a potent mix of established stars and emerging talents, Milwaukee is poised to make a spirited run at its first World Series title in franchise history.
