The Milwaukee Brewers have been active since the World Series ended. Matt Arnold, in his first offseason as the leader of baseball operations, has shed payroll and added a few young controllable arms. The Brewers also have been linked to several trade rumors around the league. Given the moves made so far, the Brewers were recently called out as a team that could take a step backwards in 2023.
In an article published by Fansideds’ Call To The Pen, the author lists the Brewers as one of four teams who could take a step backwards. The other three teams mentioned were the Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Guardians, and Atlanta Braves.
Why are the Brewers being called out as a team that could take a step back in 2023?
So far, the Brewers have not yet added any proven MLB players throughout the various transactions performed. One exception to this could be retaining Kolten Wong, but many expect him to be traded prior to opening day. Corbin Burnes has also reportedly been entertained as a trade piece as well.
Another factor to consider is that the Brewers lost Andrew McCutchen and Omar Narvaez. McCutchen’s performance in 2022 was not anything spectacular, but so far he has not been replaced. Narvaez also struggled last season, but Victor Caratini was not much better. Caratini is currently on top of the depth chart at catcher.
All of this led the author from Call To The Pen to call out the Brewers. He also states that the team seems reluctant to add payroll and won’t catch the St. Louis Cardinals with that mindset. He also believes the Chicago Cubs could catch the Brew Crew in the division if they make a few moves.
It seems very unlikely that the Cubs would surpass the Brewers in the standing next season. However, it is fair to say that the Brewers actions so far have not brought them any closer to catching the Cardinals. Thankfully there is a lot of off-season left.
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