3 Brewers free agents who aren’t coming back and why after the Wild Card series collapses

The Milwaukee Brewers took a seemingly insurmountable 2-0 lead late in Game 3 of the Wild Card series against the New York Mets. However, Pete Alonso didn’t tell anyone.

Although Alonso dropped a popup in foul territory in the same inning, the Mets’ free agent quickly made amends for his mistake with a line-drive home run on Milwaukee night. That same bomb ended the Brewers’ season, and the crowd at American Family Field knew it when it hit.

The Brewers season was a clear success story. Despite losing Craig Counsell to the rival Cubs and trading Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee still won the NL Central by ten games. Pat Murphy deserves to be voted NL Manager of the Year, if not the award itself. Matt Arnold has built something special in Milwaukee.

However, it’s unclear exactly how many losses the Brewers squad can handle. Yes, their success is sustained, but the number of star players — including players like Burnes and Josh Hader — that the Brewers have voluntarily parted ways with is telling. Unfortunately for the Brew Crew, there’s more to come.

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The Brewers’ rotation still needs work, but keeping Frankie Montas on a two-way deal likely won’t help matters. Milwaukee acquired Montas in a trade from the Cincinnati Reds, which surprised the pitcher himself at the time.

“It’s always good when you see teams that want you and believe in you,” said Montas. “I’m definitely excited.”

However, Monta’s time with the Brewers didn’t go exactly as planned. He finished the season with a 4.84 ERA in 30 starts. He’s expected to make over $20 million next season, which Arnold could spend on two free agents at urgent positions this winter. Certainly the Brewers can do better, especially with most of their pitching staff returning healthy next spring.

Frankie Montas won’t return because the Brewers’ rotation is healthy

Rhys Hoskins has by no means had a top season, but much like this series’ hero Alonso, he will be paid this winter. Hoskins had an OPS of .722, which is not elite but above league average. His strength is his greatest asset, and Hoskins is strong enough defensively just one season removed from a serious injury.

Hoskins would make $18 million with Milwaukee next season. That’s nothing to sneeze at, but here too the first base market will be weak next winter. Alonso and Christian Walker are by far the best first basemen available via free agency. If Hoskins were to opt out, there’s a good chance he’d get a $20 million contract, even on a short-term deal.

The Houston Astros should be looking for an upgrade at first base despite Dana Brown’s comments on Thursday. Houston lost its own Wild Card series to the underdog Detroit Tigers and released high-profile free agent Jose Abreu during the season. Hoskins would be a big step forward this winter.

Rhys Hoskins won’t return because the Brewers can’t afford him.

Willy Adames has been a popular trade target in recent years, but the Brewers decided against trading him to a contender. That proved to be the right decision, even though Milwaukee will lose him for next to nothing this winter. Adames is popular in the Brewers clubhouse, but he plays a premium position. The Los Angeles Dodgers might have the preference to get him in free agency.

In the Brewers’ final home game of the regular season, Murphy removed Adames from the contest late, essentially giving fans one last chance to give him a round of applause. Brewers fans recognized the moment.

“It meant a lot to us because all the work we’ve done over the last few years is appreciated,” Adames said, h/t MLB.com. “When the fans show you so much love, it’s great. I have a lot of respect for everyone in this clubhouse and also for the fans. It’s something special.

Recent history suggests that the Brewers cannot afford a player like Adames and can replace him within their system. They have more young stars on the way, especially after the emergence of Jackson Chourio this season.

Willy Adames wants to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers.