As the Milwaukee Brewers dive into the offseason, the landscape of their starting rotation appears poised for significant changes. With key pitchers like Frankie Montas and Colin Rea heading into free agency, the Brewers are forced to confront both an opportunity and a challenge. Montas, who recorded a mixed season between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brewers, opted not to exercise his $20 million mutual option for 2025, while Milwaukee declined to pick up Rea’s $5.5 million contract option. Such decisions signal a critical juncture for the team, as they assess the future of their pitching staff.
Montas, now a 31-year-old pitcher, had a season marked by inconsistency, culminating in a 7-11 record with an ERA of 4.84. Over 30 starts, he managed to strike out 148 batters, a figure that indicates his potential but also reveals the challenges he faced throughout the season. His stint with the Brewers proved particularly turbulent; he achieved a mediocre 3-3 record with a 4.55 ERA in 11 starts after joining the team mid-season. These figures raise questions about whether Montas’s performance justifies the Brewers’ reliance on him moving forward.
Meanwhile, 34-year-old Colin Rea had a more stable yet unspectacular year, ending the season with a 12-6 record and 4.28 ERA. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, including solid strikeout numbers—135 over 167.2 innings—Rea’s struggles in September culminated in an abysmal 8.31 ERA during those crucial final games. Missing out on the postseason roster only adds to the narrative of an underwhelming end to the season for a player who was expected to contribute meaningfully.
Other significant roster movements were also announced, notably the waivers and outright demotions of players such as Kevin Herget and Bryse Wilson. Herget’s impactful but limited tenure in the big league, highlighted by a 1.59 ERA over seven appearances, contrasts starkly with his more extensive but less effective outings in Triple-A Nashville. On the other hand, Wilson, who seemed poised to be a reliable asset, had a mixed bag with a 4.04 ERA, raising questions about his efficacy as a starting pitcher.
The fact that players like Jake Bauers cleared waivers speaks volumes of the Brewers’ current depth and future considerations. Although he had moments of clutch hitting during the postseason, his overall .199 batting average reflected struggles that may have contributed to his waiver status. His ability to produce significant plays—such as the go-ahead home run against the Mets—remains a poignant reminder of his potential.
As the Brewers prepare for the next season, the implications of their decisions will resonate throughout the organization. The clear intent to reshape the starting rotation, coupled with the release of other key roster members, suggests a commitment to revitalization. For a team with aspirations for postseason contention, these moves may serve as the necessary steps toward building a more robust pitching staff capable of meeting the challenges of a highly competitive league.
The combination of player departures and performance evaluations lays a foundation for strategic enhancements within the Brewers’ roster. As they navigate free agency and potential trades, the team’s leadership must weigh the risks and rewards of their current strategy while aiming for a successful resurgence in the forthcoming season.
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