3 simple reasons the Milwaukee Brewers did not spend much this offseason
By Todd Welter
The Milwaukee Brewers got great returns in the trade market.
The Brewers needed upgrades at catcher, outfield, third base, designated hitter, and the bullpen.
Matt Arnold was able to address his catching, outfield, and bullpen needs through trades.
He was able to get relievers Janson Junk and Elvis Peguero back from the Los Angeles Angels in the Renfroe trade. Junk has starter potential but with the rotation set at least for two more seasons, he will probably contribute as a long reliever.
Arnold received outfielder/DH Jesse Winker and infielder Abraham Toro-Hernandez from the Mariners in the Kolten Wong deal.
Arnold pulled off a steal by being a part of a three-team deal with the Oakland A’s and the Atlanta Braves. The Brewers got a budding star in catcher William Contreras and another bullpen arm in Joel Payamps. It only cost the Crew one prospect.
Being able to get younger talent and shed some payroll in this instance turned out to be a big win. Matt Arnold was able to add some power arms to the bullpen. Contreras has already made an All-Star team. Winker had a down year last season, but he is also a former All-Star.
All these players came at the cost of two veterans on the last year of their deals and a prospect. Arnold did not need to spend a ton of money in the offseason since he effectively maximized the movable assets he had.