The Milwaukee Brewers are entering the 2025 MLB season with several key roster decisions to make. One of their most pressing concerns is how to replace the offensive production of shortstop Willy Adames, who is now a free agent. Adames had a standout 2024 season, batting .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. While Joey Ortiz is set to move from third base to his natural shortstop position, the Brewers will still need to find ways to compensate for Adames’ offensive contributions.
In addition to the shortstop position, the Brewers face challenges with their pitching staff. While the return of Brandon Woodruff from injury is expected to provide a boost, the team still needs to address the uncertainty in both the rotation and bullpen. The Brewers have traditionally relied on finding cost-effective pitching options to round out their starting rotation and fill middle relief roles.
A recent blow to their pitching depth came when former starting pitcher Frankie Montas, whom the Brewers acquired in a mid-season trade with the Cincinnati Reds, signed with the New York Mets in free agency. Montas, who made 11 starts for the Brewers in 2024, posted a 4.55 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. While those numbers were not spectacular, they represented an improvement over his earlier struggles with the Reds. Milwaukee had hoped Montas would provide stability in their depleted rotation, but his departure now leaves them thinner in terms of starting pitching depth.
Due to numerous injuries to their pitching staff in 2024, the Brewers often had to turn to “out-getters” from the bullpen, pitchers who would start games but only pitch for one or two innings. Jared Koenig, who performed well in this role, finished the season with a 9-4 record, 2.47 ERA, and 1.23 WHIP across 55 appearances, six of which were starts.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Brewers are optimistic about the return of Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, Tobias Myers, and Robert Gasser to full health, which should help ease the immediate need for additional starting pitchers. However, given the possibility of further injuries, the Brewers may still need to add some depth to their rotation for insurance.
One potential addition the Brewers could consider is former Atlanta Braves All-Star Michael Soroka. MLB insider Andy McCollough recently suggested that Soroka might be a perfect candidate for one of the Brewers’ well-known reclamation projects. Soroka had a standout rookie season in 2019, finishing with a 13-9 record, 2.68 ERA, and 1.11 WHIP. He was named to the All-Star team that year and finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting, as well as sixth in Cy Young Award voting.
Unfortunately, injuries have hindered Soroka’s career. He missed all of the 2021 and 2022 seasons and struggled during his brief time in 2023. In 2024, Soroka pitched for the Chicago White Sox, one of the worst teams in MLB, finishing with an 0-10 record, 4.74 ERA, and 1.38 WHIP in 25 games, including nine starts. However, after moving to the bullpen in mid-May, Soroka became an effective multi-inning reliever. This could be appealing to the Brewers, who have successfully used “out-getters” in recent years to fill pitching roles.
As a reliever, Soroka has been promising, posting a 3.00 ERA and striking out 63 batters in just 39 innings over 17 games. Given his potential to return to his past All-Star form and the Brewers’ proven ability to help struggling pitchers regain their success, Soroka could be a strong fit for the team. Despite his recent struggles, the Brewers may be drawn to the opportunity to unlock Soroka’s potential once again.
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