The Milwaukee Brewers are over a decade into the rebuilding of their franchise, which ultimately has gone very well, minus the fact they are still without a World Series title. This process began in 2015, when Craig Counsell was named manager and David Stearns took over baseball operations, together overhauling the organization and helping lead the Brew Crew back to the postseason by 2018.
In 2023, both Counsell and Stearns left the organization. Stearns had stepped down into an advisory role following the completion of the 2022 season, but then went on to join the New York Mets front office. On the other hand, Counsell signed a multi year deal with the Brewers biggest division rival, causing quite the stir around the league.
Despite the changes, Matt Arnold has largely operated in the same mold as Stearns, perhaps even more effectively, having learned from his predecessor’s missteps, most notably the ill-timed midseason Josh Hader trade in 2022. Meanwhile, Pat Murphy has excelled in leading a young, previously inexperienced roster, earning National League Manager of the Year honors in each of the past two seasons, an accolade Craig Counsell never achieved.
Even so, the Brewers have repeatedly dealt away premier talent. Beyond the Hader trade, Corbin Burnes, Devin Williams, and most recently Freddy Peralta have met the same fate. Yet Milwaukee has continued to win, leaving fans to once again “trust the process”; while coming to terms with the harsh reality that accompanies it.
The harsh reality of trusting the Milwaukee Brewers process means that William Contreras is up next
While trading away the aforementioned talent, the Brewers have continued to restock an already loaded farm system built through strong international scouting, trades, and drafting, one that some now consider the best in baseball. This approach has effectively kept Milwaukee’s competitive window wide open, as the organization can consistently lean on top prospects while moving on from established players nearing free agency and a major payday.
That said, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Curt Hogg recently addressed the harsh reality that William Contreras could be the next major Brewers player to be traded. Although Contreras is not set to reach free agency until after the 2027 season, Milwaukee would likely begin receiving offers following the 2026 campaign, positioning the club to secure another strong return for one of the game’s top catchers.
While it may be premature to discuss an impending departure for Contreras, history suggests this outcome is likely, unless the Brewers choose to retain him as they did with Willy Adames.
Ultimately, this is the reality Brewers fans have come to live with. For Milwaukee to finally break through and capture a World Series, it will require a convergence of prospects reaching their peak at the same time, capable of taking down powerhouse organizations like the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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