Earlier this offseason, the Milwaukee Brewers decided to non-tender left-handed relief pitcher Hoby Milner. Of course, Milner was just the first relief pitcher that bid adieu to Milwaukee this offseason. Two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams was traded to the New York Yankees last week for left-handed starting pitcher Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin.
In an effort to replace Milner, the Brewers selected left-handed relief pitcher Connor Thomas in the Rule Five Draft, poaching him away from their division rival, the St. Louis Cardinals. Thomas will make Milwaukee’s Opening Day roster and must remain there for the duration of the season. If the Brewers decide to option him to the minors at any point, he will be returned to the Cardinals.
Former Milwaukee Brewers Relief Pitcher Hoby Milner Signed with the Texas Rangers
On Thursday evening, it was reported that Milner, a native of Dallas, Texas, had signed a one-year Major League contract with the Texas Rangers. The financial details of the detail have not yet been made public:
LHP Hoby Milner has agreed to a one-year deal with the Rangers, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 20, 2024
Last season, Milner appeared in 61 games and posted a 4.73 ERA while going 5-1. While he certainly gave up more runs in 2024, there is no denying the fact that Milner was a key member of the Brewers bullpen.
He originally signed with Milwaukee on a minor league contract prior to the 2021 season. He appeared in 19 games that season, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.52 WHIP. However, he struck out 30 batters compared to just three walks, leading the Brewers to bring him back in 2022.
And it was a good thing they did.
In 2022, Milner appeared in 67 games and went 3-3. He posted a 3.76 ERA and 1.12 WHIP.
The following year, 2023, Milner are arguably one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball. He posted an astounding 1.82 ERA and 0.96 WHIP while appearing in a team-leading 73 games.
Per Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors, “He combined for a 2.79 ERA across 129 innings over that stretch [2022-2023]. Only 30 relievers around the league logged a heavier workload. Milner fanned a solid 23.5% of opponents while limiting his walks to a 5.3% rate. His arm angle flummoxed left-handed hitters, who managed a .199/.259/.284 line across 223 plate appearances.”
Clearly, that is the version of Milner that the Rangers are hoping they get in 2025.
Milner will be reuniting with former Brewers teammate Adrian Houser, who signed with the Rangers earlier this offseason.
Interestingly, the Rangers’ signing of Milner to a Major League contract came a little over a week after the Brewers signed former Texas southpaw Grant Wolfram to a Major League contract. While Milner has Big League experience, though, Wolfram has only ever pitched in the minors. He had a 3.13 ERA while splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A last season.
More Milwaukee Brewers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Former Milwaukee Brewers Starter Signs with the Toronto Blue Jays
- MLB Insider Reveals 1 More Player the Milwaukee Brewers Are Interested in Trading This Winter
- Milwaukee Brewers: Dodgers Offer for a Potential Devin Williams Trade Revealed
- Dodgers Sign Different Former Brewers Pitcher After Missing Out on Devin Williams
- Former Milwaukee Brewers All-Star Finally Gets Elected to the Hall of Fame
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
