Keep track of all the offseason moves the Milwaukee Brewers have made leading into the 2025 Major League Baseball season. As of Nov. 4, free agents were eligible to sign with new teams.

Upcoming dates to know

• Nov. 5-7: General manager meetings in San Antonio.
• Nov. 19: Deadline for free-agent players to accept a qualifying offer (3 p.m. CT) and deadline to add players to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 draft (5 p.m.). Players to watch at this stage include Willy Adames, who was given a $21.05 million qualifying offer for one year from the Brewers, and minor-league pitcher Logan Henderson as a potential add to the 40-man. Adames will almost certainly decline the offer, in line to make far more on the open market.
• Nov. 22: Deadline to tender contracts for players on the 40-man roster; those not tendered a contract by this date become free agents. Players to watch at this stage include Hoby Milner.
• Dec. 9-11: Winter meetings in Dallas, which includes the MLB draft lottery on Dec. 10 and the Rule 5 draft on Dec. 11.
• Jan. 10: Deadline for salary arbitration-eligible players and teams to exchange monetary figures.
• Feb. 12: Pitchers and catchers report to spring training.

Brewers essentially cut ties with Jake Bauers and Bryse Wilson

Nov. 4: First baseman Jake Bauers and pitcher Bryse Wilson were placed on waivers over the weekend, indicating the Brewers were going to non-tender both later this month. They cleared waivers and became free agents.

Wilson pitched in a variety of roles for the Brewers over the past two seasons and was named the club’s Unsung Hero of the Year in 2023 after pitching to a 2.58 earned run average in 76⅔ innings. Wilson had a 4.04 ERA this season, giving him a mark of 3.42 in 181⅓ innings with Milwaukee.

Bauers largely scuffled at the plate during his one season with the Brewers (he had a .662 OPS) but did provide some power (12 homers), played great defense at first base and delivered one of the biggest hits of the year with a pinch-hit, go-ahead homer in the seventh inning of Game 3 of the wild-card series.

Frankie Montas declines his option

Nov. 4: In an unsurprising move, Frankie Montas will hit free agency after declining his $20 million mutual option. Montas’ contract comes with a $2 million buyout.

Montas may not get that same value on the open market as a free agent, but it was an inevitability that the Brewers were going to decline the mutual option, so the right-hander ultimately opted out.

Montas was acquired by the Brewers at the trade deadline from the Cincinnati Reds for Jakob Junis and Joey Wiemer. He pitched Game 2 of the playoff series against New York.

Kevin Herget, Rob Zastryzny claimed off waivers

Nov. 4: The Brewers waived relievers Kevin Herget and Rob Zastryzny, and both were claimed by the Mets and Cubs, respectively.

Herget pitched to a 1.59 ERA in 11⅓ innings, showing a changeup that was at times devastating.

Zastryzny, a left-hander, appeared in nine games and threw 7⅔ innings, allowing just one run. He started three games as an opener, but left elbow tendinitis landed him on the injured list in late July and he never returned to the majors.

Brewers decline options on Devin Williams and Eric Haase, but they remain with organization

Nov. 3: The Brewers declined options for both closer Devin Williams and backup catcher Eric Haase, but both remained under club control.

Williams, instead of earning the $10.5 million on the deal he signed before the 2024 season, will enter his third and final offseason of arbitration, en route to becoming a free agent in advance of the 2026 season. He was expected to earn just less than $8 million in arbitration.

Haase, likewise, will go through the arbitration process for the first time.

Brewers waive starting pitcher Colin Rea and pick up option on Freddy Peralta

Nov. 2: With no intent to pick up starting pitcher Colin Rea’s $5.5 million club option for 2025, the Brewers informed the 34-year-old of their intent to place him on waivers.

It counted as the biggest surprise of the early offseason after Rea threw 167⅔ innings in 2024. It essentially meant the team was moving on, whether he was claimed on waivers or if he wasn’t, at which point the team would simply pay a $1 million buyout. He cleared waivers shortly thereafter.

In a no-brainer move, the Brewers also picked up the $8 million option on the contract of starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, the team’s No. 1 starter in 2024.

Brewers trade Wisconsin native Owen Miller to Colorado Rockies

Nov. 2: Owen Miller, the Ozaukee High School alumnus who had spent time with the Brewers each of the last two seasons, was traded to Colorado for cash considerations.

Miller had a big month of May in 2023 but wasn’t able to cement an everyday roster spot with the Brewers over the next 1½ seasons. Miller was designated for assignment in July 2024 and he spent the remainder of the season with Class AAA Nashville.

Brewers part ways with catcher Gary Sánchez

Nov. 2: Backup catcher Gary Sánchez hit the open market after the Brewers declined the team option for 2025 and paid a $4 million buyout.

Sánchez batted .220 with a .699 OPS and hit 11 home runs in 89 games and 280 plate appearances in his first and only season with Milwaukee, serving primarily as the backup to William Contreras and facing left-handed pitching.

Brewers decline option on pitcher Wade Miley

Oct. 31: Left-handed starter Wade Miley could still be back in some capacity, but it won’t be on the $12.5 million club option for 2025. The Brewers declined that and paid a $1.5 million buyout instead. Miley missed the vast majority of the 2024 season with injury.

MILWAUKEE — Passionate, caring, and hardworking are just a handful of words that Jeff Bentoff would use to describe his friend and colleague Jonathan Brostoff.

“He would walk through fire when he believes in something; it’s just amazing,” said Bentoff, a member of the Historic Downer BID.

He and countless others are mourning the loss of their dear friend and alderman who died Monday.

Previous Coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/milwaukee-county/milwaukee-alderman-jonathan-brostoff-and-former-alderman-terry-witkowski-have-died

“Becoming an alderman, I think, was just the perfect fit for him because he loved the constituent service,” said Bentoff. “He pretty much never—I don’t think ever said no to a request to meet, to set up a connection.”

Brostoff was born in Milwaukee. He graduated from UW-Milwaukee. For the past two years, he served as alderman for the city’s third district, which represents much of the east side.

“I think this neighborhood is really on an upswing, and I think largely due to him,” said Bentoff. “I mean, he did so much work in his now short time.”

Brostoff was an advocate for safer streets for all people. He also worked to fill vacant storefronts and bring businesses into his district.

Previous Coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/about-us/lighthouse/tmj4-asks-walkers-and-bikers-about-proposed-traffic-calming-project-for-prospect-avenue

Previous Coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/project-drive-safer/effort-to-redesign-one-of-milwaukees-most-dangerous-streets-picks-up-speed

“He’s been working on pedestrian improvements and big infrastructure, and so his legacy is going to be a stronger east side,” said Bentoff. “He is an east side guy through and through.”

Watch: Milwaukee community remembers Alderman Jonathan Brostoff following his death

Milwaukee community remembers Alderman Jonathan Brostoff following tragic passing

During his seven years as a state representative, Brostoff championed several key pieces of legislation, even refusing to cut his hair until his bill for more sign language interpreters was passed into law.

Previous Coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/state-rep-finally-cuts-his-hair-after-winning-deaf-rights

Ryan Laessig is the East Side BID executive director. He will remember Brostoff for being more than just a public servant.

“He’s come to support different community events, like Milwaukee Makers Market, where I got to talk with him and his wife and see his family and just, you know, really see this, this community advocate, this family man, and a person that wants to support Milwaukee,” said Laessig.

Mike Beiermeister

Bentoff will remember his friend as someone who always showed up and fought for not just the east side but the entire city.

“Jonathan was somebody who cared about everyone around him,” said Bentoff. “He was a really talented person, a really hard worker. Yeah, he’s going to be greatly missed.”

Brostoff was 41 years old.

Statements on the passing of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff:

Milwaukee Jewish Federation:

Milwaukee Jewish Federation mourns the passing of City of Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff – Zichrono livracha: May his memory be a blessing. Jonathan was a dedicated and passionate Milwaukeean, a proud member and advocate of the Jewish community and a champion of service and advocacy. Jonathan’s passion for democracy, life of public service and tireless work for the greater good are gifts that will live on. Our deep condolences to his family, friends and constituents, he will be missed.  Hamakom yinachem et-chem b’toch sh’ar avelei tzion v’yerushalayim: May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Brady Street Area Association:

The Brady Street Area Association with our 3rd aldermanic district neighbors mourns the loss of Jonathan Brostoff. As an alderman, he served our community with unwavering dedication, always prioritizing the well-being of our residents and working tirelessly to make our neighborhood a better place for all. Beyond his role in public service, Jonathan was a devoted father, a trusted neighbor, a passionate advocate, and a dear friend to many. Over the years, Jonathan’s collaborative work touched many residents on the East Side. Whether it was through his work on housing, pedestrian safety, and community development, Jonathan’s impact was invaluable, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.

In this time of loss, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Let us honor his memory by continuing his work and supporting one another. In remembrance of Alder Brostoff’s contributions, the Brady Street Area Association will hold a moment of silence at our upcoming meeting on November 12th at 6:30 p.m. We will also be highlighting mental health resources available in the community. 

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley:

“Today, Milwaukee County lost a beloved leader, partner, and dear friend. I am devastated by the passing of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff. He was a hard worker, a fierce advocate, a loving husband and father, and a positive influence on everyone who knew him.

“Our friendship goes back to our days of community organizing, where we discovered our shared passion for improving Milwaukee County. From there, Jonathan and I worked our way up, eventually serving together in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Every day, we walked through the halls of the State Capitol to support working families, build healthier communities, and foster a brighter future for our children. After our time in Madison, Jonathan was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council, where he continued working on behalf of the people. Jonathan never lost sight of why he ran for office: To make a difference in the lives of all Milwaukeeans.

“Jonathan consistently brought new ideas, contagious energy, and endless optimism to every room he entered. When he saw an opportunity to benefit his constituents, he seized it. When he saw a challenge to overcome, he worked with others to address it. Throughout the years, Jonathan and I remained close friends and colleagues. We should all learn from Jonathan’s leadership, compassion, and genuine love for those around him.

“My heart and prayers are with his wife, their children, and the many Wisconsinites who also consider Jonathan what I did: a dear friend.”

Forward Latino:

“Today our members in Milwaukee and across the state mourn the passing of a truly honorable man, Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff. Jonathan’s special gift was the empathy and compassion he had for others, gifts that were an extension of his deeply held Jewish faith. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family. We hope they find comfort in knowing the positive impact he had on so many lives. My his memory be a blessing.”

From Common Council Members: José G. Pérez, Andrea M. Pratt, Mark Chambers, Jr., Robert J. Bauman, Lamont Westmoreland, Milele A. Coggs, DiAndre Jackson, JoCasta Zamarripa, Larresa Taylor, Sharlen P. Moore, Peter Burgelis, Scott Spiker, Marina Dimitrijevic, Russell W. Stamper, II

As colleagues, and as friends, we are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff.

Jonathan was a loving father and husband, and greeted everyone he met with empathy and kindness. He was also a passionate advocate for the betterment of our community, and dedicated his professional life to the people he represented. It was an honor to have served in office with him, and he will be missed.

Out of respect for his family, we would ask that they be provided the privacy and time to grieve that they most certainly deserve.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson:

“Jonathan brought a unique energy to his work at City Hall. His passion and dedication were evident every day. No elected official brought more enthusiasm to their work than Jonathan. He was a husband, a father, a son, and, to me, a close friend. My thoughts and sympathy go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

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MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee’s starting rotation could have a new look next season with right-handers Frankie Montas and Colin Rea heading into free agency.

The Brewers announced Monday that Montas had declined his part of a $20 million mutual option for 2025. The Brewers turned down the $5.5 million club option on Rea’s contract.

Montas receives a $2 million buyout and Rea gets a $1 million buyout.

In other moves Monday, right-hander Kevin Herget was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets, and left-hander Rob Zastryzny was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs. First baseman Jake Bauers and right-hander Bryse Wilson cleared waivers and were sent outright to Triple-A Nashville.

Montas, 31, had a combined 7-11 record with a 4.84 ERA and 148 strikeouts over 150 2/3 innings in 30 starts for the Cincinnati Reds and Brewers this season. He was 3-3 with a 4.55 ERA in 11 starts for the Brewers, who acquired him just before the trade deadline.

Rea, 34, was 12-6 with a 4.28 ERA this season in 32 appearances, including 27 starts. He struck out 135 in 167 2/3 innings. Rea had an 8.31 ERA in September and was left off the Brewers’ NL Wild Card Series roster.

Herget, 33, had no record with one save and a 1.59 ERA in seven appearances with Milwaukee this year. He was 5-1 with four saves and a 2.27 ERA in 38 relief outings with Triple-A Nashville.

Zastryzny, 32, was 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA in nine appearances with Milwaukee. He pitched in 30 games with Nashville and went 4-0 with a 3.03 ERA.

The 29-year-old Bauers batted .199 with a .301 on-base percentage, 12 homers and 43 RBIs in 116 games this season. He also hit a seventh-inning homer that broke a scoreless tie in the decisive Game 3 of the Wild Card Series with the New York Mets, who rallied in the ninth to win 4-2.

Wilson, who turns 27 on Dec. 20, went 5-4 with a 4.04 ERA in 34 appearances, including nine starts.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB