The Milwaukee Brewers 2025 opening day roster is starting to come into focus.
Last night, we learned that non-roster invitee Mark Canha will not be a part of that group. Rather than see Canha opt out of his contract and leave for nothing, executive Matt Arnold traded him to the Kansas City Royals for either cash or a player that will be named at a later date.
On the contrary, the Brewers have announced that one player they are keeping is Rule-5 pick Connor Thomas.
Milwaukee Brewers Rule-5 pick Connor Thomas has made the 2025 opening day roster
Connor, a 26 year old left-handed pitcher who previously was in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, has been informed that he has made the opening day roster. Had this not been the case, the Brewers would have had to offer him back to the Cardinals. Furthermore, if Thomas is removed from the 26-man roster at any point this season, aside from injury, that same rule will apply.
This spring, Thomas has done a great job of earning his opening day roster spot. Through 9.1 innings pitched he has allowed just one earned run. Had he struggled, the Brewers may have thought harder about whether or not to retain him.
Thomas will join Bryan Hudson and Jared Koenig as lefty relievers available on opening day. Other 40-man options include Aaron Ashby, DL Hall, and Grant Wolfram. Ashby and Hall are starting the year on the injured list.
It will be interesting to see if Thomas can carve out a big enough role on the Brewers in order to stick around all year. Milwaukee’s last Rule 5 selection was Gus Varland in 2023 and he was returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers by mid-May.
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